as in ornamental
a small object displayed for its attractiveness or interest
some tacky little gaud that they had picked up at a souvenir stand at an amusement park
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gaud
At the other end is the caricature, butt of flabby jokes, trussed in Las Vegas gaud, voice prostituted to a huge orchestra.
—
San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2019
Even its colors, silver and space gray, seem to have been chosen for their lack of gaud—no blingy gold model here.
—David Pierce, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2017
In their novels, the disorienting clash between Soviet gloom and American gaud is the source of dramatic tension, exploited for tragedy and, more often, comedy.
—Nathaniel Rich, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2017
San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Aug. 2019
Even its colors, silver and space gray, seem to have been chosen for their lack of gaud—no blingy gold model here.
—David Pierce, WIRED, 3 Nov. 2017
In their novels, the disorienting clash between Soviet gloom and American gaud is the source of dramatic tension, exploited for tragedy and, more often, comedy.
—Nathaniel Rich, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaud
Noun
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Mix edible plants with ornamentals There’s no rule that says your decorative containers can’t also be productive.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Kansas City Star,
28 Apr. 2026
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Dark Opal) is the most ornamental of all herbs with pink or purple flowers against a background of dark foliage.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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One less thing to set up, one less unwanted lawn ornament.—
Joe Salas
April 25,
New Atlas,
25 Apr. 2026
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Hallmark went live on social media Friday from its Kansas City headquarters, featuring employees who helped create the ornaments.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
24 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gaud.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gaud. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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