Attire
Attire noun - Covering for the human body.
Usage example: needed some snazzy attire for the job interview
Costume is a synonym for attire in dress topic. In some cases you can use "Costume" instead the word "Attire" as a noun or a verb, when it comes to topics like clothes, clothing, activity, clothe. popular alternative
Nearby Words: attired, attiring
Costume
Costume noun - Clothing chosen as appropriate for a specific situation.
Usage example: a tuxedo is the only acceptable costume for men attending a formal event
Attire is a synonym for costume in dress topic. You can use "Attire" instead the word "Costume" as a noun or a verb, if it concerns topics such as activity, outfit, apparel, robe. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
How words are described
| old | old attire | old costume |
| female | female attire | female costume |
| full | full attire | full costume |
| similar | similar attire | similar costume |
| Other adjectives: normal, usual, complete, regular, standard, original, green, proper, actual, blue, black, white, new, revealing, traditional, skimpy, classic, different, pink, sexy, red, purple, iconic. | ||
Both words in one sentence
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Costume Porn: Even as a heel commentator, Lawler would dress up in gaudy royal looking attire.
Source: Wrestling / Jerry Lawler -
Shout-Out: Katniss' hooded cape attire looks similar to the black Mia Dearden/Speedy II costume from the Green Arrow comics.
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Author Appeal: Marvel confirmed that the reason Iron Fist is wearing his classic costume & not his post-Civil War attire is because Capcom specifically asked to use that costume.
Source: Video Game / Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Cite this Source
Costume and Attire. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 08, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/attire/costume
Attire & Costume. N.p., 2016. Web. 08 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/attire/costume>.
Costume or Attire. 2016. Accessed August 08, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/attire/costume.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "attire" and "costume" have occurred on timeline