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
embossments
noun
as in appliqués
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- appliqués
- embroideries
- enrichments
- enhancements
- improvements
- figures
- glitters
- fancyworks
- flourishes
- filigrees
- flounces
- gilts
- ornamentations
- patterns
- furbelows
- ruffles
- fineries
- designs
- ornaments
- garnitures
- bedizenments
- furnishings
- adornments
- bells and whistles
- frostings
- embellishments
- chichis
- trims
- embellishers
- apparels
- trappings
- decorations
- fripperies
- caparisons
- setoffs
- garnishes
- beautifiers
- fal-lals
- garnishments
- regalia
- bric-a-brac
- doodads
- frou-frous
- emblazonries
- blazonries
- froufrous
- foofaraws
- frills
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- blemishes
- scars
- defacements
- disfigurements
- stains
- spots
- blots