decoration
9 synonyms and 0 antonyms for decoration, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The act of making something look more attractive, or an item added purely to embellish it.
Synonyms
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 decoration
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin decoratio, matching French décoration; built from decorate + -ion.
Full origin of decoration →Frequently asked questions
What does “decoration” mean?
The word “decoration” means the act of making something look more attractive, or an item added purely to embellish it. In plain terms, either an ornamental item added for looks, or a formal award/medal.
How do you pronounce “decoration”?
“Decoration” is pronounced deh-kuh-RAY-shuhn (/ˌdɛkəˈɹeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “decoration” in a sentence?
Here is “decoration” used in a sentence: “The tree was covered in tinsel and other Christmas decorations.”
What is another word for “decoration”?
Words with a similar meaning to “decoration” include adornment, embellishment, ornament, garniture, garnish and garnishment.
What part of speech is “decoration”?
“Decoration” is a noun.
Where does the word “decoration” come from?
The word “decoration” comes from Latin. From Latin decoratio, matching French décoration; built from decorate + -ion.
Is “decoration” a common word?
“Decoration” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “decoration” have?
“Decoration” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act of making something look more attractive, or an item added purely to embellish it.
What is the difference between a decoration and an ornament?
Decoration is the broader term for the act of making something look more attractive or any item added purely to embellish it. An ornament is one specific type of decoration, typically a small decorative object, while decoration can also refer to a military award or honour, a sense ornament does not carry.
What does decoration mean in a military context?
In a military context, a decoration refers to a medal, ribbon, or similar item awarded as an honour, especially for distinguished service. This is distinct from the everyday sense of decoration as visual embellishment.
Is decoration used more for objects or for the act of decorating?
Decoration can refer to both: it describes the act of making something look more attractive, and it also describes the individual items, such as ornaments or medals, used to achieve that effect.