showy

adjective

ˈshō-ē How to pronounce showy (audio)
showier; showiest
Synonyms of showynext
1
: making an attractive show : striking
a showy orchid
2
: given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display
showily
ˈshō-ə-lē How to pronounce showy (audio)
adverb
showiness
ˈshō-ē-nəs How to pronounce showy (audio)
noun

Synonyms

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Choose the Right Synonym for showy

showy, pretentious, ostentatious mean given to excessive outward display.

showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste.

the performers' showy costumes

pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing.

a pretentious parade of hard words

ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade.

the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

Examples of showy in a Sentence

Perhaps you should wear something a little less showy. orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Just by advancing this peace plan for Gaza, Egypt has salvaged the Palestinian aspiration for statehood from Trump’s desire to conjure a showy real estate development deal. — Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025 Matching the evening mood, the prose isn’t as showy as in previous Hollinghurst works. — Sam Worley, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024 First class on the Qantas Airbus A380 is a showy affair, equipped with high-end champagne and meals, fancy amenity kits, and doting service. — Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2025 There’s an entertainment and information component, too — somewhat like eating at a chef’s table, with showy beverages instead. — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for showy

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of showy was in 1697

Rhymes for showy

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Browse Nearby Words

show window
showy
showyard
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Cite this Entry

“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showy. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

showy

adjective
ˈshō-ē How to pronounce showy (audio)
showier; showiest
1
: attracting attention : striking
showy blossoms
2
: given to or marked by much outward display : gaudy
showy jewelry
showily
ˈshō-ə-lē How to pronounce showy (audio)
adverb
showiness
ˈshō-ē-nəs How to pronounce showy (audio)
noun

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Nglish: Translation of showy for Spanish Speakers

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