decorate
24 synonyms and 4 antonyms for decorate, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To add ornaments or decorations to something, or to improve the appearance of a room or building.
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.
Antonyms
How to use decorate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
decorate a room
decorate for a holiday
decorated for valour
Etymology
From Latin decorātus, the past participle of decorāre ("to adorn, honour"), from decus ("ornament, honour").
Full origin of decorate →Frequently asked questions
What does “decorate” mean?
The word “decorate” means to add ornaments or decorations to something, or to improve the appearance of a room or building. In plain terms, to make something look nicer with ornaments, or to formally honour someone with an award.
How do you pronounce “decorate”?
“Decorate” is pronounced DEH-kuh-rayt (/ˈdɛkəɹeɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “decorate” in a sentence?
Here is “decorate” used in a sentence: “They decorated the hall with balloons and streamers for the party.”
What is another word for “decorate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “decorate” include adore, adorn, apparel, array, invest and detail.
What is the opposite of “decorate”?
The opposite of “decorate” — its antonyms — are deface, disfigure, defigure and distort.
What part of speech is “decorate”?
“Decorate” is a verb.
Where does the word “decorate” come from?
The word “decorate” comes from Latin. From Latin decorātus, the past participle of decorāre ("to adorn, honour"), from decus ("ornament, honour").
Is “decorate” a common word?
“Decorate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
