Meaning

Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion..

Definitions by Sense

1. Imparting or improving beauty, particularly the beauty of the complexion.
2. External or superficial; pertaining only to the surface or appearance of something.
3. Any substances applied to enhance the external color or texture of the skin, e.g. lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner.
4. A feature existing only on the surface.
5. An intangible influence that improves the overall perception of some thing or situation.

Example Sentences

a cosmetic preparation

Firſt, rob'd in white, the nymph intent adores / With head uncover'd, the coſmetic pow'rs.

Fortunately, the damage to the house was mostly cosmetic and a bit of paint covered it nicely.

These endocrine disruptors are everywhere: plastics, shampoos, cosmetics, cushions, pesticides, canned foods and A.T.M. receipts. They often aren’t on labels and can be difficult to avoid.

All depends upon circumstances—anger as much as any thing else. Interest is your only true cosmetic for smoothing the brow.

Word Forms

• more cosmetic
• most cosmetic
• cosmetics

Synonyms for cosmetic

Related Words

When Should You Use Cosmetic?

Use cosmetic when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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