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Definitions

fancy dress

NOUN
finery
Synonyms
STRONGEST
apparel regalia
STRONG
caparison decoration formals frippery gear splendor suit trimmings trinkets
WEAK
Sunday best trappings bib and tucker full dress
Antonyms
WEAK
rags

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.

Helmets are obligatory for those being carried - fancy dress is expected.

From BBC • Mar. 6, 2026

In pictures taken at the time Trevor can be seen on stage with Barlow, including one documenting the pair in fancy dress on New Year's Eve.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

While many of us are still deciding what fancy dress to wear for Halloween, celebrities have wasted no time in posting pictures in their elaborate costumes - and the big night hasn't even arrived yet.

From BBC • Oct. 31, 2025

Police advised schools to be placed in lockdown after reports of a suspected gunman on the loose - only to find it was a boy in fancy dress with a toy gun.

From BBC • Oct. 22, 2025

Set after set of the Queen’s fireworks exploded over the roofs of the city, over Canvastown, over the mansions that held the King’s subjects in their ball gowns and fancy dress uniforms.

From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson