Synonyms

decorated

American

[dek-uh-rey-tid] / ˈdɛk əˌreɪ tɪd /

adjective

(often initial capital letter) of pertaining to, or characteristic of the English gothic architecture of the late 13th through the late 14th centuries, characterized by curvilinear tracery, elaborate ornamental sculpture and vaulting, and refinement of stonecutting techniques.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of decorated

First recorded in 1720–30; decorate + -ed ²

Explanation

When something is embellished or made more beautiful, it's decorated, like the elaborately decorated cookies you made your parents for their anniversary. Besides things that are ornamented or adorned with decorations, you can also use this adjective for people who are honored, particularly soldiers who have served heroically. A decorated war veteran has received medals, awards, and honors from the military. Decorated soldiers often wear their medals on their uniforms. The Latin root of decorated is decus, "an ornament."

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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.

Another, decorated with hand drawn foxgloves, hedgehogs and birds, declares: "We need homes too!"

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

She decorated the space with blown-up photographs from New York Fashion Week, old family photos from Puerto Rico and a Barbie print.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Dressed in a layered outfit, Multani’s right wrist glinted with a Kara — an iron bracelet, known as one of five articles of Sikh faith — decorated with Punjabi language script and proudly visible.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

That was the same year that that Bryant retired and that the Auburn Tigers football team beat its more decorated rival for the first time in a decade.

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

Greater sea creatures glided past, their bodies decorated with pulsating, magical designs.

From "City of the Plague God" by Sarwat Chadda

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023