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Definitions

embellishment

[em-bel-ish-muhnt] / ɛmˈbɛl ɪʃ mənt /
NOUN
beautification, decoration
Synonyms
STRONGEST
adornment coloring embroidery ornamentation
STRONG
decoration elaboration enhancement enrichment floridity frill fuss garnish gilding gingerbread ornament ostentation overstatement
WEAK
embroidering fandangle flowery speech froufrou icing on the cake
Antonyms
STRONG
plainness
WEAK
disfigurement simplification spoliation
NOUN
exaggeration
Synonyms
STRONGEST
embroidery exaggeration hyperbole

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Abdullah recounts what he saw plainly, without embellishment.

From BBC • Dec. 20, 2025

This is war writing at its best, brutally and straightforwardly told because the events and deeds Sledge recounts require no embellishment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 12, 2025

To some, they conjure ideas of haute cuisine fuss — dainty smears, baby food textures, or unnecessary embellishment.

From Salon • May 16, 2025

I have Ed Hardy on, a one-of-one with a rhinestone embellishment on the back, and I have a gold chain with Jesus on it.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 1, 2024

Ralph Myers's story of the crime was pretty far-fetched; his knack for dramatic embellishment made even the most basic allegations unnecessarily complicated.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson