Word forms: comparative trimmer, superlative trimmest, plural, 3rd person singular presenttense trims, present participle trimming, past tense, past participle trimmed
1. adjective
Something that is trim is neat, tidy, and attractive.
The neighbours' gardens were trim and neat.
...the trim houses.
Synonyms: neat, nice, smart, compact More Synonyms of trim
2. adjective
If you describe someone's figure as trim, you mean that it is attractive because there is no extra fat on their body.
[approval]
The driver was a trim young woman of perhaps thirty.
Synonyms: slender, fit, slim, sleek More Synonyms of trim
3. verb
If you trim something, for example someone's hair, you cut off small amounts of it in order tomake it look neater and tidier.
My friend trims my hair every eight weeks. [VERB noun]
Grass shears are specially made to trim grass growing in awkward places. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: cut, crop, clip, dock More Synonyms of trim
Trim is also a noun.
His hair needed a trim.
4. verb
If a government or other organization trims something such as a plan, policy, or amount, they reduce it slightly in extent or size.
American companies looked at ways they could trim these costs. [VERB noun]
We trimmed the marketing department. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: cut back, reduce, decrease, cut down More Synonyms of trim
5. verb [usually passive]
If something such as a piece of clothing is trimmedwith a type of material or design, it is decorated with it, usually along its edges.
...jackets, which are then trimmed with crocheted flowers. [beVERB-ed + with]
I am wearing a plaid nightgown trimmed with white lace. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: decorate, dress, array, adorn More Synonyms of trim
-trimmedcombining form
He wears a fur-trimmed coat.
...gold-trimmed fitted furniture.
6. variable noun
The trim on something such as a piece of clothing is a decoration, for example along its edges,that is in a different colour or material.
...a white satin scarf with black trim.
The saddles feature a reflective trim for night time visibility.
Synonyms: decoration, edging, border, piping More Synonyms of trim
7.
See in trim/in good trim
Phrasal verbs:
See trim away
More Synonyms of trim
trim in British English
(trɪm)
adjectiveWord forms: trimmer or trimmest
1.
neat and spruce in appearance
2.
slim; slender
3.
in good condition
verbWord forms: trims, trimming or trimmed(mainly tr)
4.
to put in good order, esp by cutting or pruning
5.
to shape and finish (timber)
6.
to adorn or decorate
7. (sometimes foll byoff or away)
to cut so as to remove
to trim off a branch
8.
to cut down to the desired size or shape
to trim material to a pattern
9. dialect
to decorate
to trim a Christmas tree
10. nautical
a. (also intr)
to adjust the balance of (a vessel) or (of a vessel) to maintain an even balance, by distribution of ballast, cargo, etc
b. (also intr)
to adjust (a vessel's sails) to take advantage of the wind
c.
to stow (cargo)
11.
to balance (an aircraft) before flight by adjusting the position of the load or in flight by the use of trim tabs, fuel transfer, etc
12. (also intr)
to modify (one's opinions, etc) to suit opposing factions or for expediency
13. informal
to thrash or beat
14. informal
to rebuke
15. obsolete
to furnish or equip
noun
16.
a decoration or adornment
17.
the upholstery and decorative facings, as on the door panels, of a car's interior
18.
proper order or fitness; good shape
in trim
19.
a haircut that neatens but does not alter the existing hairstyle
20. nautical
a.
the general set and appearance of a vessel
b.
the difference between the draught of a vessel at the bow and at the stern
c.
the fitness of a vessel
d.
the position of a vessel's sails relative to the wind
e.
the relative buoyancy of a submarine
21.
dress or equipment
22. US
window-dressing
23.
the attitude of an aircraft in flight when the pilot allows the main control surfaces to take up their own positions
24. cinema
a section of shot cut out during editing
25.
material that is trimmed off
26.
decorative mouldings, such as architraves, picture rails, etc
Derived forms
trimly (ˈtrimly)
adverb
trimness (ˈtrimness)
noun
Word origin
Old English trymman to strengthen; related to trum strong, Old Irish druma tree, Russian drom thicket
Trim in British English
(trɪm)
noun
the county town of Meath, Republic of Ireland; 12th-century castle, medieval cathedral; textiles and machinery. Pop: 5894 (2002)
trim in American English
(trɪm)
verb transitiveWord forms: trimmed or ˈtrimming
1. Obsolete
to prepare; fit out; dress
2.
to put in proper order; make neat or tidy, esp. by clipping, lopping, etc.
to trim one's mustache
3.
to clip, lop, cut, etc.
often with off
to trim dead branches off a tree
4.
to cut (something) down to the required size or shape
5. US
a.
to decorate or embellish as by adding ornaments, contrasting materials, etc.
to trim a Christmas tree
b.
to arrange an attractive display of merchandise in or on
to trim a store window
6.
a.
to balance (a ship) by ballasting, shifting cargo, etc.
b.
to put (sails or yards) in order for sailing
7.
to balance (a flying aircraft) by adjusting stabilizers, tabs, etc.
8.
to modify according to expediency; adjust; adapt
9. Informal
a.
to scold; chide; rebuke
b.
to beat, punish, thrash, etc.
c.
to defeat decisively
d.
to cheat
verb intransitive
10.
a.
to change one's opinions or viewpoint so as to satisfy opposing factions, etc.; keep a middle-of-the-road policy; compromise
b.
to change one's opinions or viewpoint opportunistically
11.
a.
to keep in balance
said of a ship
b.
to keep a ship in balance, as by adjusting the sails or yards
noun
12.
order; arrangement; condition
in proper trim
13.
good condition or order
to keep in trim for sports
14.
equipment; gear; dress
15.
a trimming by clipping, cutting, etc.
16.
a. US
window dressing
b. US
decorative molding or borders, esp. around windows and doors
c. US
the interior furnishings or the exterior ornamental metalwork of an automobile
d.
any ornamental trimming
a dress with lace trim
17.
a.
the condition of being ready to sail
said of a ship
b.
the position of a ship in the water in relation to the horizontal, esp. a fore-and-afthorizontal axis
c.
correct position in the water: a ship is in trim if stable and floating on an even keel, out of trim if not
d.
the difference between the draft of a ship forward and the draft aft
e.
the adjustment of the sails or yards in managing a ship
f.
the degree of buoyancy of a submarine
18.
the position of an airplane in relation to a fore-and-aft horizontal axis
19.
something that is trimmed, as a section of film (sense 5) film (sense 5a) cut out in editing
20. Obsolete
character (of a person)
adjectiveWord forms: ˈtrimmer or ˈtrimmest
21.
orderly; neat; tidy
22.
well-proportioned; smartly designed
23.
in good condition
adverbWord forms: ˈtrimmer or ˈtrimmest
24.
in a trim manner
Idioms:
trim one's sails
Derived forms
trimly (ˈtrimly)
adverb
trimness (ˈtrimness)
noun
Word origin
via ME dial. < OE trymman, to make firm, set in order, array < trum, strong, firm: for IE base see tree
More idioms containing
trim
trim your sails
in fighting trim
Examples of 'trim' in a sentence
trim
Cut the trimmed monkfish into small chunks.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Trim excess fat from the chops.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
This push towards autonomous and semi-autonomous shipping allows ship owners to cut costs by trimming crew numbers.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Stick with the standard colours and trims and you get a brilliantly capable littlemachine for less than 12,000.
The Sun (2016)
They provide foliage to mix in with cut flowers, and trimming off pieces keeps their size within requiredbounds.
The Sun (2016)
He added that store staff had been cut, but that there had been a reluctance to trim a fat bureaucracy.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Wings like you'd got your hair trimmed a week ago and haven't brushed it since.
The Sun (2016)
She will now enjoy this year's party season as a trim size ten, not worrying about unflattering photos.
The Sun (2016)
Trim and thinly slice across the celery.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
When is a good time to trim a formal yew hedge?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
You can also enter other specifications such as colour and trim.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Trim to tidy and contain spreading growth.
The Sun (2012)
Trim the excess fat from the cutlets.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
They manage to keep trim without needing to exercise.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The weak euro also meant prices trimmed to remain competitive.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Trim steak and cut into small cubes.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They have a reflective trim for maximum visibility and a centre back mesh storage pocket too.
The Sun (2011)
You sound in good shape so you could afford to show off a trim waist and slim hips.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
And their menu for dinner will be trimmed to feature a choice of four main courses instead of six.
The Sun (2009)
They are easy to handle and ideal for keeping box topiary in shape or trimming leafy shrubs and law edges.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Last week, we showed you how to tone and trim your upper body.
The Sun (2014)
Inside you'll find new instruments and door trims.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
You're too young and too trim.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He set out each morning from our address, neat and trim and off to work.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
They trim with white very much'.
The Times Literary Supplement (2012)
Word lists with
trim
terms used in aviation, castle
In other languages
trim
British English: trim /trɪm/ VERB
If you trim something, for example, someone's hair, you cut off small amounts of it in order to make it look neater and tidier.
My friend trims my hair every eight weeks.
American English: trim
Arabic: يُشَذِّبُ
Brazilian Portuguese: aparar
Chinese: 修整
Croatian: podrezati
Czech: zastřihnout
Danish: trimme
Dutch: bijknippen
European Spanish: recortar pelo
Finnish: siistiä
French: tailler
German: zurechtschneiden
Greek: γαρνίρω
Italian: spuntare
Japanese: 整える
Korean: 깎아 다듬다
Norwegian: tilpasse
Polish: przyciąć
European Portuguese: aparar
Romanian: a (se) tunde
Russian: приводить в порядок
Latin American Spanish: recortar
Swedish: klippa jämna till
Thai: ขลิบ
Turkish: kesip düzeltmek
Ukrainian: підстригати
Vietnamese: tỉa
British English: trim ADJECTIVE
Something that is trim is neat, tidy, and attractive.
The neighbours' gardens were trim and neat.
American English: trim
Brazilian Portuguese: elegante
Chinese: 整洁美观的
European Spanish: cuidado
French: bien entretenu
German: gepflegt
Italian: curato
Japanese: きちんとした
Korean: 손질이 잘 된
European Portuguese: arrumado
Latin American Spanish: cuidado
All related terms of 'trim'
side trim
a decorative feature on the side of a car
trim away
If you trim away or trim off parts of something, you cut them off, because they are not needed .
trim size
the size of a book or a page of a book after all excess material has been trimmed off
trim tab
an independently controlled tab set in the trailing edge of a control surface, as an elevator , aileron , or rudder , to hold it in a position suitable for stabilizing the aircraft in a flight attitude
wood trim
decorative woodwork
trim cooler
A trim cooler is a water-cooled heat exchanger which is used in addition to an air-cooled heat exchanger.
wheel trim
metallic decorative trim over or around the wheels of a motor vehicle
in fighting trim
in very good condition
trim one's sails
to act in a more frugal or restrained manner
trim your sails
to change your behaviour to deal with a difficult situation, for example by limiting your demands , needs , or expectations
in trim/in good trim
When people are in trim or in good trim , they are in good physical condition .
Chinese translation of 'trim'
trim
(trɪm)
adj
[garden etc]整齐(齊)的 (zhěngqí de)
[figure, person]苗条(條)的 (miáotiáo de)
n
(c) (= haircut) 修剪 (xiūjiǎn)
(c/u) (= decoration)
(on clothes) 镶(鑲)边(邊) (xiāngbiān)
(on car) 饰(飾)边(邊) (shìbiān)
vt
(= cut)[hair, beard]剪短 (jiǎnduǎn)
(= decorate)
to trim (with)(以 ... )装(裝)饰(飾) ((yǐ ... ) zhuāngshì)
(Naut)[sail]整帆 (zhěngfān)
to keep in (good) trim保持身体(體)健康 (bǎochí shēntǐ jiànkāng)
1 (adjective)
Definition
neat and spruce in appearance
The neighbour's gardens were trim and neat.
Synonyms
neat
Her house was neat and tidy and gleamingly clean.
nice
smart
compact
tidy
Having a tidy desk can sometimes seem impossible.
orderly
The vehicles were parked in orderly rows.
spruce
dapper
natty (informal)
well-groomed
well-groomed young men in expensive suits
well-ordered
well turned-out
shipshape
We moved in and soon had the place shipshape.
spick-and-span
trig (archaic, dialect)
soigné or soignée
Opposites
disorderly
,
messy
,
sloppy
,
shabby
,
scruffy
,
untidy
,
unkempt
,
ungroomed
,
disarrayed
2 (adjective)
Definition
attractively slim
The driver was a young man of about thirty.
Synonyms
slender
The crane raised its slender neck.
fit
It will take a very fit person to beat me.
slim
She is pretty, of slim build, with blue eyes.
sleek
streamlined
streamlined companies using cheap freelance staff
shapely
her shapely legs
svelte
She's svelte and smart.
willowy
She was a slim, willowy woman in her late thirties.
lissom(e)
a lissom young model
3 (adjective)
Definition
neat and spruce in appearance
with his trim suit and his aura of good living
Synonyms
smart
I was dressed in a smart navy-blue suit.
sharp (informal)
Now politics is all about the right haircut and a sharp suit.
elegant
Patricia looked as beautiful and elegant as always.
crisp
He wore a panama hat and a crisp white suit.
stylish
a very attractive and stylish woman of 27
chic
Her gown was French and very chic.
the chic place to be seen around town
spruce
Chris was looking spruce in his black shirt.
dapper
a small, dapper man in his early fifties
natty (informal)
He was a natty dresser.
a natty pin-stripe suit
spiffy (informal)
schmick (Australian, informal)
the city's schmick new restaurant
1 (verb)
Definition
to make (something) neater by cutting it slightly without changing its basic shape
My friend trims my hair every eight weeks.
Synonyms
cut
The previous tenants hadn't even cut the grass.
crop
She cropped her hair and dyed it blonde.
clip
I saw an old man out clipping his hedge.
dock
It is an offence for an unqualified person to dock a dog's tail.
shave
It's a pity you shaved your moustache off.
barber
tidy
prune
You have to prune the bushes if you want fruit.
shear
pare
Local authorities must pare down their budgets.
lop
Someone lopped the heads off our tulips.
even up
neaten
Trim and neaten the edges of the fabric.
2 (verb)
Definition
to adorn or decorate (something, such as a garment) with lace, ribbons, etc.
jackets trimmed with crocheted flowers
Synonyms
decorate
He decorated the box with glitter and ribbons.
dress
advice on how to dress a Christmas tree
array
a priest arrayed in white vestments
adorn
Several oil paintings adorn the walls.
embroider
I had a pillow with my name embroidered on it.
garnish
She had prepared the vegetables and was garnishing the roast.
ornament
The Egyptians ornamented their mirrors with carved handles of ivory, gold, or wood.
embellish
The boat was embellished with red and blue carvings.
deck out
bedeck
Flags bedeck the balcony.
beautify
Claire worked to beautify the garden.
trick out
edge
a chocolate brown jacket edged with yellow
border
white sand bordered by palm trees and tropical flowers
pipe
fringe
Swampy islands of vegetation fringe the coastline.
hem
3 (verb)
Definition
to reduce or lower the size of
They looked at ways they could trim these costs.
Synonyms
cut back
reduce
Consumption is being reduced by 25 per cent.
decrease
The medication is said to decrease the risk of heart attack.
cut down
prune
Economic hard times are forcing the company to prune their budget.
curtail
NATO plans to curtail the number of troops being sent to the region.
The celebrations had to be curtailed because of bad weather.
scale down
slim down
pare down
make reductions in
make cutbacks in
retrench on
dock
He threatened to dock her fee.
4 (verb)
Definition
to reduce or lower the size of
The document has been trimmed as it passes through different hands.
Synonyms
shorten
The day surgery will help to shorten waiting lists.
condense
The English translation has been condensed into a single more readable book.
abbreviate
He abbreviated his first name to Alec.
abridge
We don't abridge any of the stories we publish.
telescope
Film naturally tends to telescope time.
truncate
I'm going to truncate the time I spend at work.
5 (verb)
Definition
to cut so as to remove
First cut off about half the roots and trim the longest leaves.
Synonyms
remove
When you remove the branches, cut beyond the trunk ridge.
cut (off)
take off
cut back
chop off
shave off
hack off
lop off
nip off
6 (verb)
Definition
to adjust (a ship's sails) to take advantage of the wind
Synonyms
adjust
To attract investors the country has adjusted its tax laws.
order
Entries in the book are ordered alphabetically.
prepare
The crew has been preparing the ship for storage.
balance
He balanced his budget by rigid control over public expenditure.
settle
Right, that's settled then.
arrange
distribute
1 (noun)
Definition
a decoration or adornment
a white satin scarf with black trim
Synonyms
decoration
He played a part in the decoration of the tree.
edging
the satin edging on the blanket
border
piping
trimming
the lace trimming on her satin nightgown
fringe
The jacket had leather fringes.
garnish
Reserve some watercress for garnish.
frill
embellishment
Florence is full of buildings with bits of decoration and embellishment.
adornment
a building without any adornment or decoration
ornamentation
The decor was functional and free of ornamentation.
2 (noun)
Definition
good physical condition
He is already getting in trim for the big day.
Synonyms
condition
He was in fine condition for his age.
form
He's now fighting his way back to top form.
health
Although he's old, he's in good health.
shape (informal)
He was still in better shape than many young men.
repair
The road was in bad repair.
fitness
Squash was thought to offer all-round fitness.
wellness
order
the order of insects Coleoptera, better known as beetles
fettle
You seem in fine fettle.
3 (noun)
Definition
a haircut that neatens but does not alter the existing hairstyle
His hair needed a trim.
Synonyms
cut
crop
trimming
clipping
shave
pruning
shearing
tidying up
Additional synonyms
in the sense of abbreviate
Definition
to cut short
He abbreviated his first name to Alec.
Synonyms
shorten,
reduce,
contract,
trim,
cut,
clip,
abstract,
digest,
prune,
summarize,
compress,
curtail,
condense,
truncate,
epitomize,
abridge,
précis
in the sense of abridge
Definition
to shorten a written work by taking out parts
We don't abridge any of the stories we publish.
Synonyms
shorten,
reduce,
contract,
trim,
clip,
diminish,
decrease,
abstract,
digest,
cut down,
cut back,
cut,
prune,
concentrate,
lessen,
summarize,
compress,
curtail,
condense,
abbreviate,
truncate,
epitomize,
downsize,
précis,
synopsize (US)
in the sense of adorn
Definition
to decorate
Several oil paintings adorn the walls.
Synonyms
decorate,
enhance,
deck,
trim,
grace,
array,
enrich,
garnish,
ornament,
embellish,
emblazon,
festoon,
bedeck,
beautify,
engarland
Synonyms of 'trim'
trim
Explore 'trim' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of adornment
a building without any adornment or decoration
Synonyms
decoration,
trimming,
supplement,
accessory,
ornament,
frill,
festoon,
embellishment,
frippery
in the sense of arrange
Definition
to arrive at an agreement
Synonyms
agree,
determine,
settle,
compromise,
adjust,
come to terms
in the sense of array
Definition
to dress in rich clothing
a priest arrayed in white vestments
Synonyms
dress,
supply,
clothe,
wrap,
deck,
outfit,
decorate,
equip,
robe,
get ready,
adorn,
apparel (archaic),
festoon,
attire,
fit out,
garb,
bedeck,
caparison,
accoutre
in the sense of balance
Definition
to compare or equalize the credit and debit totals of (an account)
He balanced his budget by rigid control over public expenditure.
Synonyms
calculate,
rate,
judge,
total,
determine,
estimate,
settle,
count,
square,
reckon,
work out,
compute,
gauge,
tally
in the sense of beautify
Definition
to make beautiful
Claire worked to beautify the garden.
Synonyms
make beautiful,
enhance,
decorate,
enrich,
adorn,
garnish,
ornament,
gild,
embellish,
grace,
festoon,
bedeck,
glamorize
in the sense of bedeck
Definition
to cover with decorations
Flags bedeck the balcony.
Synonyms
decorate,
grace,
trim,
array,
enrich,
adorn,
garnish,
ornament,
embellish,
festoon,
beautify,
bedight (archaic),
bedizen (archaic),
engarland
in the sense of border
Definition
to provide with a border
white sand bordered by palm trees and tropical flowers
Synonyms
edge,
bound,
decorate,
trim,
fringe,
rim,
hem
in the sense of chic
Definition
stylish or elegant
Her gown was French and very chic.the chic place to be seen around town
Synonyms
stylish,
smart,
elegant,
fashionable,
trendy (British, informal),
up-to-date,
new,
modish,
du jour,
à la mode,
voguish (informal),
culty,
hip (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal)
in the sense of clip
Definition
to cut or trim with scissors or shears
I saw an old man out clipping his hedge.
Synonyms
trim,
cut,
crop,
dock,
prune,
shorten,
shear,
cut short,
snip,
pare
in the sense of condense
Definition
to express in fewer words
The English translation has been condensed into a single more readable book.
Synonyms
abridge,
contract,
concentrate,
compact,
shorten,
summarize,
compress,
curtail,
encapsulate,
abbreviate,
epitomize,
précis
Additional synonyms
in the sense of crisp
Definition
clean and neat
He wore a panama hat and a crisp white suit.
Synonyms
clean,
smart,
trim,
neat,
tidy,
orderly,
spruce,
snappy,
clean-cut,
well-groomed,
well-pressed,
trig (archaic, dialect)
in the sense of crop
Definition
to cut (something) very short
She cropped her hair and dyed it blonde.
Synonyms
cut,
reduce,
trim,
clip,
dock,
prune,
shorten,
shear,
snip,
pare,
lop,
top,
mow
in the sense of curtail
Definition
to restrict
NATO plans to curtail the number of troops being sent to the region.The celebrations had to be curtailed because of bad weather.
Synonyms
reduce,
cut,
diminish,
decrease,
dock,
cut back,
shorten,
lessen,
cut short,
pare down,
retrench
in the sense of dapper
Definition
(of a man) neat in appearance and slight in build
a small, dapper man in his early fifties
Synonyms
neat,
nice,
smart,
trim,
stylish,
spruce,
dainty,
natty (informal),
well-groomed,
well turned out,
trig (archaic, dialect),
soigné
in the sense of decrease
Definition
to make or become less in size, strength, or quantity
The medication is said to decrease the risk of heart attack.
Synonyms
reduce,
cut,
lower,
contract,
depress,
moderate,
weaken,
diminish,
turn down,
slow down,
cut down,
shorten,
dilute,
impair,
lessen,
curtail,
wind down,
abate,
tone down,
truncate,
abridge,
downsize
in the sense of dock
Definition
to remove part of (an animal's tail) by cutting through the bone
It is an offence for an unqualified person to dock a dog's tail.
Synonyms
cut off,
crop,
clip,
shorten,
curtail,
cut short
in the sense of dock
He threatened to dock her fee.
Synonyms
cut,
reduce,
decrease,
diminish,
cut back,
lessen
in the sense of dress
Definition
to put a finish on (the surface of stone, metal, or other building material)
advice on how to dress a Christmas tree
Synonyms
decorate,
deck,
adorn,
trim,
array,
drape,
ornament,
embellish,
festoon,
bedeck,
furbish,
rig out
in the sense of edge
Definition
to make, form, or be an edge or border for
a chocolate brown jacket edged with yellow
Synonyms
border,
shape,
bind,
trim,
fringe,
rim,
hem,
pipe
in the sense of edging
Definition
anything placed along an edge for decoration
the satin edging on the blanket
Synonyms
border,
trimming,
fringe,
frill
Additional synonyms
in the sense of elegant
Definition
attractive and graceful or stylish
Patricia looked as beautiful and elegant as always.
Synonyms
stylish,
fine,
beautiful,
sophisticated,
delicate,
artistic,
handsome,
fashionable,
refined,
cultivated,
chic,
luxurious,
exquisite,
nice,
discerning,
graceful,
polished,
sumptuous,
genteel,
choice,
tasteful,
urbane,
courtly,
modish,
comely (old-fashioned),
à la mode,
schmick (Australian, informal)
in the sense of embellish
Definition
to make (something) more attractive by adding decorations
The boat was embellished with red and blue carvings.
Synonyms
decorate,
enhance,
adorn,
dress,
grace,
deck,
trim,
dress up,
enrich,
garnish,
ornament,
gild,
festoon,
bedeck,
tart up (slang),
beautify
in the sense of embellishment
Florence is full of buildings with bits of decoration and embellishment.
Synonyms
decoration,
garnishing,
ornament,
gilding,
enhancement,
enrichment,
adornment,
ornamentation,
trimming,
beautification
in the sense of embroider
Definition
to do decorative needlework on (a piece of cloth or a garment)
I had a pillow with my name embroidered on it.
Synonyms
sew,
decorate,
stitch,
ornament
in the sense of fettle
You seem in fine fettle.
Synonyms
health,
form,
condition,
shape,
state
in the sense of fit
Definition
in good health
It will take a very fit person to beat me.
Synonyms
healthy,
strong,
robust,
sturdy,
well,
trim,
strapping,
hale (old-fashioned),
in good shape,
in good condition,
in good health,
toned up,
as right as rain,
in good trim,
able-bodied
in the sense of fitness
Squash was thought to offer all-round fitness.
Synonyms
health,
strength,
good health,
vigour,
good condition,
wellness,
robustness
in the sense of form
Definition
physical or mental condition
He's now fighting his way back to top form.
Synonyms
condition,
health,
shape,
nick (informal),
fitness,
trim,
good condition,
good spirits,
fettle
in the sense of fringe
Definition
to decorate with a fringe
Swampy islands of vegetation fringe the coastline.
Synonyms
border,
edge,
surround,
bound,
skirt,
trim,
enclose,
flank
in the sense of fringe
Definition
an ornamental edge of hanging threads, tassels, etc.
The jacket had leather fringes.
Synonyms
border,
edging,
edge,
binding,
trimming,
hem,
frill,
tassel,
flounce
Additional synonyms
in the sense of garnish
Definition
to decorate (food) with something to add to its appearance or flavour
She had prepared the vegetables and was garnishing the roast.
Synonyms
decorate,
adorn,
ornament,
embellish,
deck,
festoon,
trim,
bedeck,
enhance,
set off,
beautify
in the sense of garnish
Definition
a decoration for food
Reserve some watercress for garnish.
Synonyms
decoration,
ornament,
embellishment,
adornment,
ornamentation,
trimming,
trim,
garniture,
enhancement,
festoon
in the sense of health
Definition
the general condition of body and mind
Although he's old, he's in good health.
Synonyms
condition,
state,
form,
shape,
tone,
constitution,
fettle
in the sense of lissom(e)
Definition
slim and graceful and agile in movement
a lissom young model
Synonyms
supple,
light,
flexible,
graceful,
nimble,
agile,
lithe,
limber,
pliable,
willowy,
pliant,
loose-jointed,
loose-limbed
in the sense of lop
Definition
to cut (parts) off a tree or body
Someone lopped the heads off our tulips.
Synonyms
cut,
crop,
chop,
trim,
clip,
dock,
hack,
detach,
prune,
shorten,
sever,
curtail,
truncate
in the sense of natty
Definition
smart and spruce
He was a natty dresser.a natty pin-stripe suit
Synonyms
smart,
sharp (informal),
dashing (old-fashioned),
elegant,
trim,
neat,
fashionable,
stylish,
trendy (British, informal),
chic,
spruce,
well-dressed,
dapper,
debonair,
snazzy (informal),
modish,
well-turned-out,
rakish,
crucial (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal)
in the sense of neaten
Definition
to make neat
Trim and neaten the edges of the fabric.
Synonyms
tidy up,
trim,
clean up,
groom,
tidy,
spruce up,
smarten up,
put in order,
trig (archaic, dialect),
put to rights,
make neat,
straighten out or up,
arrange
in the sense of order
Definition
to arrange (things) methodically or in their proper places
Entries in the book are ordered alphabetically.
Synonyms
arrange,
group,
sort,
class,
position,
range,
file,
rank,
line up,
organize,
set out,
sequence,
catalogue,
sort out,
classify,
array,
dispose,
tidy,
marshal,
lay out,
tabulate,
systematize,
neaten,
put in order,
set in order,
put to rights
in the sense of order
Definition
one of the groups into which a class is divided, containing one or more families
the order of insects Coleoptera, better known as beetles
Synonyms
kind,
group,
class,
family,
form,
sort,
type,
variety,
cast,
species,
breed,
strain,
category,
tribe,
genre,
classification,
genus,
ilk,
subdivision,
subclass,
taxonomic group
in the sense of orderly
Definition
tidy or well-organized
The vehicles were parked in orderly rows.
Synonyms
well-organized,
ordered,
regular,
in order,
organized,
trim,
precise,
neat,
tidy,
systematic,
businesslike,
methodical,
well-kept,
shipshape,
systematized,
well-regulated,
in apple-pie order (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of ornament
Definition
to decorate or adorn
The Egyptians ornamented their mirrors with carved handles of ivory, gold, or wood.
Synonyms
decorate,
trim,
adorn,
enhance,
deck,
array,
dress up,
enrich,
brighten,
garnish,
gild,
do up (informal),
embellish,
emblazon,
festoon,
bedeck,
beautify,
prettify,
bedizen (archaic),
engarland
in the sense of ornamentation
The decor was functional and free of ornamentation.
Synonyms
decoration,
trimming,
frills,
garnishing,
embroidery,
enrichment,
elaboration,
embellishment,
adornment,
beautification,
ornateness
in the sense of pare
Definition
to decrease bit by bit
Local authorities must pare down their budgets.
Synonyms
cut back,
cut,
reduce,
crop,
decrease,
dock,
prune,
shear,
lop,
retrench
in the sense of prepare
Definition
to equip or outfit, as for an expedition
The crew has been preparing the ship for storage.
Synonyms
equip,
fit,
adapt,
adjust,
outfit,
furnish,
fit out,
accoutre
in the sense of prune
Definition
to cut off dead or surplus branches of (a tree or shrub)
You have to prune the bushes if you want fruit.
Synonyms
cut,
trim,
clip,
dock,
shape,
cut back,
shorten,
snip,
lop,
pare down
in the sense of prune
Definition
to shorten or reduce
Economic hard times are forcing the company to prune their budget.
Synonyms
reduce,
cut,
cut back,
trim,
cut down,
pare down,
make reductions in
in the sense of reduce
Definition
to weaken or lessen
Consumption is being reduced by 25 per cent.
Synonyms
lessen,
cut,
contract,
lower,
depress,
moderate,
dial down,
weaken,
diminish,
turn down,
decrease,
slow down,
cut down,
shorten,
dilute,
impair,
curtail,
wind down,
abate,
tone down,
debase,
truncate,
abridge,
downsize,
downscale,
kennet (Australian, slang),
jeff (Australian, slang)
in the sense of repair
Definition
state or condition
The road was in bad repair.
Synonyms
condition,
state,
form,
shape (informal),
nick (informal),
fettle
in the sense of schmick
the city's schmick new restaurant
Synonyms
stylish,
smart,
chic,
polished,
fashionable,
trendy (British, informal),
classy (slang),
in fashion,
snappy,
in vogue,
dapper,
natty (informal),
snazzy (informal),
modish,
well turned-out,
dressy (informal),
à la mode,
voguish,
funky
in the sense of settle
Definition
an act of settling
Right, that's settled then.
Synonyms
establish,
determine,
confirm,
fix,
appoint,
arrange,
agree
Additional synonyms
in the sense of shape
Definition
condition or state of efficiency
He was still in better shape than many young men.
Synonyms
condition,
state,
health,
nick (British, informal),
repair,
trim,
kilter,
fettle
in the sense of shapely
Definition
(esp. of a woman's body or legs) pleasing or attractive in shape
her shapely legs
Synonyms
well-formed,
elegant,
trim,
neat,
graceful,
well-turned,
curvaceous (informal),
sightly,
comely (old-fashioned),
well-proportioned
in the sense of sharp
Definition
neat and stylish
Now politics is all about the right haircut and a sharp suit.
Synonyms
stylish,
smart,
fashionable,
trendy (informal),
chic,
classy (slang),
snappy,
natty (informal),
dressy,
schmick (Australian, informal)
in the sense of shave
Definition
to remove (the beard or hair) from (the face, head, or body) by using a razor or shaver
It's a pity you shaved your moustache off.
Synonyms
trim,
cut,
crop,
barber,
snip
in the sense of shipshape
Definition
neat or orderly
We moved in and soon had the place shipshape.
Synonyms
tidy,
neat,
orderly,
trim,
businesslike,
well-organized,
uncluttered,
well-ordered,
well-regulated,
spick-and-span,
trig (archaic, dialect),
Bristol fashion
in the sense of slim
Definition
small in width relative to height or length
She is pretty, of slim build, with blue eyes.
Synonyms
slender,
slight,
trim,
thin,
narrow,
lean,
skinny,
svelte,
willowy,
rangy,
sylphlike
in the sense of spruce
Definition
neat and smart
Chris was looking spruce in his black shirt.
Synonyms
smart,
trim,
neat,
elegant,
dainty,
dapper,
natty (informal),
well-groomed,
well turned out,
trig (archaic, dialect),
as if you had just stepped out of a bandbox,
soigné or soignée
in the sense of streamlined
streamlined companies using cheap freelance staff
Synonyms
efficient,
organized,
modernized,
rationalized,
smooth,
slick,
sleek,
well-run,
time-saving,
smooth-running
in the sense of stylish
Definition
smart, fashionable, and attracting attention
a very attractive and stylish woman of 27
Synonyms
smart,
chic,
polished,
fashionable,
trendy (British, informal),
classy (slang),
in fashion,
on trend,
snappy,
in vogue,
dapper,
natty (informal),
snazzy (informal),
modish,
well turned-out,
dressy (informal),
à la mode,
voguish,
schmick (Australian, informal),
bling (slang),
funky
in the sense of svelte
Definition
attractively or gracefully slim
She's svelte and smart.
Synonyms
slender,
lithe,
willowy,
graceful,
slinky,
lissom(e),
sylphlike
Additional synonyms
in the sense of telescope
Definition
to shorten (something) while still keeping the important parts
Film naturally tends to telescope time.
Synonyms
shorten,
contract,
compress,
cut,
trim,
shrink,
tighten,
condense,
abbreviate,
abridge,
capsulize
in the sense of tidy
Definition
neat and orderly
Having a tidy desk can sometimes seem impossible.
Synonyms
neat,
orderly,
ordered,
clean,
trim,
systematic,
spruce,
businesslike,
well-kept,
well-ordered,
shipshape,
spick-and-span,
trig (archaic, dialect),
in apple-pie order (informal)
in the sense of trimming
Definition
an extra piece added to a garment for decoration
the lace trimming on her satin nightgown
Synonyms
decoration,
edging,
border,
piping,
fringe,
garnish,
braid,
frill,
festoon,
embellishment,
adornment,
ornamentation
in the sense of truncate
Definition
to shorten by cutting
I'm going to truncate the time I spend at work.
Synonyms
shorten,
cut,
crop,
trim,
clip,
dock,
prune,
curtail,
cut short,
pare,
lop,
abbreviate
in the sense of well-groomed
Definition
having a smart tidy appearance
well-groomed young men in expensive suits
Synonyms
smart,
trim,
neat,
tidy,
spruce,
well-dressed,
dapper,
well turned out,
soigné or soignée
in the sense of willowy
Definition
slender and graceful
She was a slim, willowy woman in her late thirties.