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garnish

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word garnish different from other verbs like it?

Some common synonyms of garnish are adorn, beautify, deck, decorate, embellish, and ornament. While all these words mean "to enhance the appearance of something by adding something unessential," garnish suggests decorating with a small final touch and is used especially in referring to the serving of food.

an entrée garnished with parsley

Where would adorn be a reasonable alternative to garnish?

In some situations, the words adorn and garnish are roughly equivalent. However, adorn implies an enhancing by something beautiful in itself.

a diamond necklace adorned her neck

How are the words beautify and embellish related as synonyms of garnish?

Beautify adds to embellish a suggestion of counterbalancing plainness or ugliness.

will beautify the grounds with flower beds

When can deck be used instead of garnish?

The synonyms deck and garnish are sometimes interchangeable, but deck implies the addition of something that contributes to gaiety, splendor, or showiness.

a house all decked out for Christmas

When is decorate a more appropriate choice than garnish?

While in some cases nearly identical to garnish, decorate suggests relieving plainness or monotony by adding beauty of color or design.

decorate a birthday cake

When is it sensible to use embellish instead of garnish?

The words embellish and garnish can be used in similar contexts, but embellish often stresses the adding of superfluous or adventitious ornament.

embellish a page with floral borders

How do ornament and embellish relate to one another, in the sense of garnish?

Both ornament and embellish imply the adding of something extraneous, ornament stressing the heightening or setting off of the original.

a white house ornamented with green shutters

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of garnish
Noun
This acts as a bright, colorful, and perky garnish that really makes this Alfredo recipe feel restaurant-quality. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2025 Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled Nick & Nora glass and garnish with a cucumber ribbon. John Kell, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Verb
It’s then garnished with a cucumber and orange slice, which nods at the Irish flag symbolizing the peace between the Catholics and Protestants within Ireland. Aly Walansky, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Federal student loan borrowers who’ve defaulted on their loans may also see their wages garnished starting in October of this year, according to a January memo from the U.S. Department of Education. Annie Nova, CNBC, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for garnish
Recent Examples of Synonyms for garnish
Noun
  • These included dress shopping, venue hunting, and the preparing of DIY decorations.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Helene roared through the building’s lower level, carrying off freezers, the walk-in cooler, thousands of dollars worth of Christmas decorations, and even the walls.
    Hanna Raskin, Southern Living, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • In Christianity the egg symbolizes rebirth and resurrection with the tradition of decorating eggs dating back centuries, while egg hunts and egg rolling have become popular and beloved western customs especially enjoyed by kids.
    Catharine Kaufman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The birthday girl, rocking a shimmery strapless gown, was serenaded by a live mariachi band, then presented with a multi-tier cake, decorated in sparklers and her name in frosting.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In an era where contemporary architecture often relies on cladding and heavy ornamentation, Paradero celebrates simplicity.
    Natalie Stoclet, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
  • Simple forms and geometries abound, with a distinct lack of more organic elements like curved shapes, soft textures, and overly decorative ornamentation.
    Lauren Gallow, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Featuring six unique designs adorned with rhinestones and dazzling details, these accessories—from purses to wallets— showcase the iconic PEEPS Bunny and Chick, adding a playful surprise to your Easter ensemble.
    Lanee Lee, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025
  • Enjoy the Hill Country Scenery and Trails Both locals and travelers love to frequent the stunning blue waters at Jacob’s Well Natural Area and Blue Hole Regional Park, which offers 126 acres including shady trails and a crisp, clear swimming hole adorned with rope swings.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Like so much of rap, Carti’s choice of words reflects an obsession with male power dynamics, where women, cars, and drugs are accrued and consumed as ornaments of power.
    Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 17 Mar. 2025
  • The artifacts—including golden rings, ornaments, beads and a small statue depicting three ancient Egyptian gods—date back to ancient Egypt’s 26th Dynasty, which lasted from 664 to 525 B.C.E., according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Legal action: In extreme cases, unpaid debts can result in legal action, such as a lawsuit or wage garnishment.
    Kevin Harper, Sacramento Bee, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Getty Images For roughly the past five years, federal student loan borrowers who fell behind on their bills didn’t need to worry about the usual consequences, including the garnishment of their wages and retirement benefits.
    Annie Nova, CNBC, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Cities across the country will celebrate with parades of green adornment, Irish foods and thematic bar crawls.
    Kinsey Crowley, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Art is a kind of maintenance—a more creative health regimen, a more spiritual wellness routine, and a more visceral ritual of adornment and beauty.
    Akilah Sailers, Essence, 19 Dec. 2024

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Cite this Entry

“Garnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/garnish. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

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