SYNONYMS AND RELATED EXPRESSIONS
embellish
verb
To decorate or add details, sometimes to exaggerate an account.
Local English device voice, when available. This is not a recorded dictionary pronunciation.
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Add decoration
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topGarnish suggests finishing touches; embellish can involve more extensive decorative detail.
Add colorful details
Closest synonyms
Related words and expressions
These extend or explain the idea and may require a different sentence structure.
Usage distinction
Return to topEmbroider and embellish can imply invented details; elaborate can simply provide accurate additional information.
CHECK THE MEANING IN CONTEXT
See embellish in use
He tended to embellish a routine journey into a grand adventure.
The editor was willing to embellish the video with a few well-chosen visual details, but not to invent praise from imaginary audience members.
Compare an alternative with the original word in each passage. Shared meanings do not make every pair interchangeable.
Synonym reference scope and sources
The groups distinguish the senses selected for this study entry. Closest synonyms and broader related expressions have separate labels. The listed sources support lexical selection; not every phrase is a direct quotation from a source.
How the synonym reference was prepared / WordNet 3.0 license