cosmetic
Americannoun
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a powder, lotion, lipstick, rouge, or other preparation for beautifying the face, skin, hair, nails, etc.
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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
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serving to beautify; imparting or improving beauty, especially of the face.
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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.
noun
adjective
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serving or designed to beautify the body, esp the face
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having no other function than to beautify
cosmetic illustrations in a book
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derogatory designed to cover up a greater flaw or deficiency; superficial
their resignation is a cosmetic exercise
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of cosmetic
1595–1605; < Greek kosmētikós relating to adornment, equivalent to kosmēt ( ós ) adorned, arranged (verbid of kosmeîn, derivative of kósmos order, arrangement) + -ikos -ic
Explanation
Cosmetic refers to how something or someone looks. Visit the cosmetics department of a store if you are looking to buy lipstick, and visit a cosmetic surgeon if you are looking to buy new lips. The word cosmetic has to do with beauty and appearance. Cosmetic surgery makes someone look better, but isn't necessary medically, like heart surgery. A cosmetic change to a building only changes the building’s appearance. Cosmetic often means the same as decorative or ornamental. Also, cosmetics are items used to adorn, especially women, such as nail polish, lipstick, and eyeliner. All uses of cosmetic have to do with what's on the outside, not what's on the inside.
Vocabulary lists containing cosmetic
Elements of the Universe: Cosm, Cosmo ("Universe")
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Locomotion
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Interpreter of Maladies
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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.
While some Indonesians supported the change in leadership, others believe this is a cosmetic move that will not make a significant difference.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
Her 2022 debut novel, “Aesthetica,” plumbed the lengths one aged-out influencer is willing to go to reverse her cosmetic surgeries.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026
Russian and Western media have also speculated about cosmetic procedures as Putin’s appearance has grown visibly smoother with age.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026
Having bought the 12-acre property under the assumption that the main residence on the parcel would require some simple, cosmetic updates, the TV host found herself facing a much more mammoth task.
From MarketWatch • May 27, 2026
His black hair was slicked back, his face whitened with a cosmetic, and he carried a cocktail shaker.
From "Middlesex: A Novel" by Jeffrey Eugenides
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
