accessory meaning

accessory as a noun

1. clothing that is worn or carried, but not part of your main clothing

   Synonyms: accoutrement, accouterment

   Type of: clothing

   Kinds: belt, furnishing

   Related forms: accessorial

2. a supplementary component that improves capability

   Synonyms: appurtenance, supplement, add-on

   Type of: component

   Kinds: auto accessory, computer accessory, fitting, fixings

   Related forms: accessorial

3. someone who helps another person commit a crime

   Synonyms: accessary

   Type of: criminal

   Kinds: abettor, accessory after the fact, accessory before the fact, accessory during the fact, confederate

accessory as an adjective

1. aiding and abetting in a crime
   • he was charged with being accessory to the crime

   Synonyms: accessary

   Similar: supportive

2. furnishing added support
   • an ancillary pump
   • an adjuvant discipline to forms of mysticism
   • The mind and emotions are auxiliary to each other

   Synonyms: adjunct, ancillary, adjuvant, appurtenant, auxiliary

   Similar: supportive

How to pronounce accessory

accessory is pronounced /ækˈsɛsəri/ in British English and /ækˈsɛsəri/ in American English. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.