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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

Brazilian police have disguised themselves using fancy dress to blend in as Carnival-goers to target phone thieves in Rio de Janeiro.

From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026

James lost his life after going to watch cricket in fancy dress, when England played a Test match at Trent Bridge in July 2011.

From BBC • Jan. 6, 2026

The girl who had dressed for the fancy dress ball the night before had been left behind.

From "Rebecca" by Daphne du Maurier