emboss
1 of 2verb (1)
em·boss im-ˈbäs 
-ˈbȯs
embossed; embossing; embosses
transitive verb
1
: to raise the surface of into bosses
especially : to ornament with raised work
2
: to raise in relief from a surface
3
: adorn, embellish
embossable
im-ˈbä-sə-bəl
adjective -ˈbȯ-
embosser
im-ˈbä-sər
noun -ˈbȯ-
embossment
im-ˈbä-smənt
noun -ˈbȯ-
emboss
2 of 2verb (2)
embossed; embossing; embosses
transitive verb
archaic
: to drive (a hunted animal) to bay or to exhaustion
Synonyms
Verb (1)
- adorn
- array
- beautify
- bedeck
- bedizen
- blazon
- caparison
- deck
- decorate
- do
- do up
- doll up
- drape
- dress
- embellish
- emblaze
- enrich
- fancify
- fancy up
- festoon
- garnish
- glitz (up)
- grace
- gussy up
- ornament
- pretty (up)
- trim
See all Synonyms & Antonyms 
Word History
Etymology
Verb (1)
Middle English embosen, from Middle French embocer, from en- + boce boss
Verb (2)
Middle English embosen to become exhausted from being hunted, ultimately from Anglo-French bois woods
First Known Use
Verb (1)
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Verb (2)
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
emboss
verb
em·boss im-ˈbäs
-ˈbȯs
embossed; embossing
: to decorate with a raised pattern or design
embossment
noun
as in appliqué
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- appliqué
- embroidery
- gilt
- enhancement
- fancywork
- improvement
- glitter
- enrichment
- pattern
- filigree
- design
- furbelow
- flourish
- bedizenment
- ornamentation
- ruffle
- ornament
- flounce
- decoration
- blazonry
- embellishment
- frosting
- adornment
- garniture
- apparel
- chichi
- furnishings
- trappings
- finery
- bells and whistles
- trim
- frippery
- froufrou
- emblazonry
- fal-lal
- garnish
- beautifier
- embellisher
- caparison
- foofaraw
- regalia
- doodad
- garnishment
- frill
- figure
- bric-a-brac
- setoff
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- blemish
- scar
- disfigurement
- stain
- defacement
- spot
- blot