accessorize
Americanverb (used with object)
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accessorizes,
present (3rd person singular)
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accessorized,
past participle, past
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accessorizing
present participle
verb (used without object)
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accessorizes,
present (3rd person singular)
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accessorized,
past participle, past
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accessorizing
present participle
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to choose or wear accessories.
Well-dressed women accessorize according to the occasion.
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to be suitable for accessories.
Some clothes accessorize more easily than others.
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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accessorizesimple
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accessorizessimple
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have accessorizedperfect
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has accessorizedperfect
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am accessorizingprogressive
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are accessorizingprogressive
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is accessorizingprogressive
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have been accessorizingperfect progressive
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has been accessorizingperfect progressive
Past
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accessorizedsimple
-
had accessorizedperfect
-
was accessorizingprogressive
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were accessorizingprogressive
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had been accessorizingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of accessorize
An Americanism dating back to 1935–39; accessor(y) + -ize
Explanation
When you add a scarf, belt, or tiara to your outfit, you accessorize. That dress looks fine, but it'll look even better if you accessorize with this diamond necklace! The verb accessorize means to add accessories to what you're wearing — in other words, something extra that improves or enhances your basic clothing. You might prefer to accessorize with striped knee socks and a ball cap, while your younger siblings like to accessorize with feathers, sparkles, and plastic jewelry.
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.
See Examples For:
You’ve got to accessorize with long shorts, football jerseys, ankle socks and high-tops.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 5, 2026
That young Zuck feels leagues away from today’s Mark Zuckerberg, who’s now designing his own streetwear-inspired T-shirts, emblazoned with Latin phrases, which he’ll occasionally accessorize with a gold chain.
From Salon ● Nov. 9, 2024
The originality, the creativity — taking things you wouldn’t typically think of as something you can accessorize with or use as clothes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 6, 2023
“There are ways to accessorize kitchen that add a lot of personality that are functional. Things can be functional and beautiful,” Scheff said.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 18, 2023
I’ve learned how to build a good, strong hut and accessorize it just right.
From "Beauty Queens" by Libba Bray
She accessorizes the look in a pair of nude high heels and a flowy white beach cover up.
From Fox News ● Dec. 3, 2020
His character is soft and tough, likes hats and further accessorizes with a crew of gym rats, who also wear tartan.
From New York Times ● Jan. 22, 2020
An integral part of storytime is Timmy the squirrel, a puppet who accessorizes based on the book selection and was dressed up in his Christmas best during an interview.
From Washington Times ● Dec. 17, 2019
Proville cooks fish simply but accessorizes it extravagantly.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 16, 2017
She accessorizes these mysterious garments with diverse headgear: knitted skullcaps, top hats, World War II army caps.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 2, 2015
There are bottomless mimosas and $28 omelets, towers of French toast and Bloody Marys accessorized like seafood platters.
From Salon ● Jul. 20, 2026
Coach to that end markets its bestselling Tabby bag as a versatile item that works in contexts including school and work, accessorized with any of dozens of charms from cutesy carrots to diamante bows.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 25, 2026
Chevron-patterned hardwood flooring was accessorized with a patterned rug at the center of the space, while a large wooden side table with a lamp was seen next to one arm of the couch.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 15, 2026
Cyrus, who penned an original song for the fantasy action film, accessorized her black, sequined gown with silver earrings, a diamond necklace and several rings — including one on that finger.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 2, 2025
Cardan is wearing his usual scowl, accessorized with kohl under his eyes and a circlet of gold in his midnight hair.
From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black
TikTok and Instagram users have been posting their ventures accessorizing handbags, shoes, and more.
From Slate ● Jul. 29, 2024
Or, consider accessorizing with smaller pops of wood throughout your space, with wooden trays, bowls and decorative objects to infuse your home with natural charm and rustic elegance.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 12, 2024
Apfel, whose looks transcended time and trends, knew no limits when it came to accessorizing and decorating: “If you hang around long enough, everything comes back,” she said at 93.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 1, 2024
The wealth of accessorizing that went into recreating “Avatar: The Last Airbender” isn’t the issue.
From Salon ● Feb. 22, 2024
When accessorizing your language, remember that a little jewelry goes a long way. discreet silence.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
