cos·met·ic
käz-ˈme-tik 
1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion : beautifying
cosmetic salves
2
: done or made for the sake of appearance: such as
a
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
b
c
: not substantive : superficial
cosmetic changes
3
: visually appealing
: something that is cosmetic: such as
a
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
b
cosmetics plural
: superficial features
a poem without rhetorical cosmetics—
Guy Davenport
Guy DavenportSynonyms
Examples of cosmetic in a Sentence
Adjective
Almond oil is sometimes used in cosmetic products.
medical procedures that are done for cosmetic purposes
The changes were purely cosmetic.
Noun
Use a cosmetic to hide the scar.
Recent Examples on the WebBeth Sobol, Allure, 23 Apr. 2024
Additionally, some mothers might consider consulting with a plastic surgeon or cosmetic specialist like Dr. Carlos Mata to address concerns with their physical appearance.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic 
Adjective
Prior to getting on the phone with me, cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos looked at both labels and may have zeroed in on the reason: The mask contains Quaternium-26, a water-soluble silicone that softens and detangles hair, while the conditioner does not.
—Beth Sobol, Allure, 23 Apr. 2024
Additionally, some mothers might consider consulting with a plastic surgeon or cosmetic specialist like Dr. Carlos Mata to address concerns with their physical appearance.
—Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 21 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for cosmetic
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cosmetic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near cosmetic
Cite this Entry
“Cosmetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmetic. Accessed 3 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: a preparation (as a cream, lotion, or powder) used to improve a person's appearance
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective
: intended to improve a person's appearance
Medical Definition
cosmetic
1 of 2 noun
cos·met·ic
käz-ˈmet-ik
: a cosmetic preparation for external use
cosmetic
2 of 2 adjective1
: of, relating to, or making for beauty especially of the complexion
cosmetic salves
2
: correcting defects especially of the face
cosmetic surgery
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