attire
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for attire, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Clothing, especially of a particular style appropriate to an occasion.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use attire
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
More formal than "clothes" or "outfit" — common on invitations and dress codes.
Etymology
From Old French atirier, "to equip, put in order," related to a word meaning "rank" or "order."
Full origin of attire →Frequently asked questions
What does “attire” mean?
The word “attire” means clothing, especially of a particular style appropriate to an occasion. In plain terms, a somewhat formal word for clothing, or the act of dressing someone in it.
How do you pronounce “attire”?
“Attire” is pronounced uh-TY (/əˈtaɪɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “attire” in a sentence?
Here is “attire” used in a sentence: “Formal attire is required for the gala.”
What part of speech is “attire”?
Depending on how it is used, “attire” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “attire” come from?
The word “attire” comes from Old French. From Old French atirier, "to equip, put in order," related to a word meaning "rank" or "order.".
Is “attire” a common word?
“Attire” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “attire” have?
“Attire” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: clothing, especially of a particular style appropriate to an occasion.