Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for cosmetic

cosmetic

[koz-met-ik]

noun

  1. a powder, lotion, lipstick, rouge, or other preparation for beautifying the face, skin, hair, nails, etc.

  2. cosmetics, superficial measures to make something appear better, more attractive, or more impressive.

    The budget committee opted for cosmetics instead of a serious urban renewal plan.



adjective

  1. serving to beautify; imparting or improving beauty, especially of the face.

  2. used or done superficially to make something look better, more attractive, or more impressive.

    Alterations in the concert hall were only cosmetic and did nothing to improve the acoustics.

cosmetic

/ kɒzˈmɛtɪk /

noun

  1. any preparation applied to the body, esp the face, with the intention of beautifying it

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. serving or designed to beautify the body, esp the face

  2. having no other function than to beautify

    cosmetic illustrations in a book

  3. derogatory,  designed to cover up a greater flaw or deficiency; superficial

    their resignation is a cosmetic exercise

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Other Word Forms

  • cosmetically adverb
  • anticosmetics adjective
  • cosmeticology noun
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of cosmetic1

1595–1605; < Greek kosmētikós relating to adornment, equivalent to kosmēt ( ós ) adorned, arranged (verbid of kosmeîn, derivative of kósmos order, arrangement) + -ikos -ic
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of cosmetic1

C17: from Greek kosmētikos, from kosmein to arrange, from kosmos order
Discover More

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.

It also owns premium perfumery and cosmetics brands ICI Paris XL and The Perfume Shop.

Savers, which sells mostly toiletries and cosmetics, but some other goods too, has also expanded in recent years.

Read more on BBC

The 20-year-old, from Tottenham, London, was part of a shoplifting gang and would clear shelves of cosmetics and perfumes while another member of her team acted as look-out, according to police.

Read more on BBC

The work came from the estate of cosmetics executive Leonard Lauder, elder scion of Estée Lauder and chairman emeritus of her beauty empire who died in June.

As a result, CBD is now commonly available in oils, creams, and cosmetic items.

Read more on Science Daily

Advertisement

Related Words

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


cosm-cosmetician