showstopper
noun
show·stop·per
ˈshō-ˌstä-pər 
1
: an act, song, or performer that wins applause so prolonged as to interrupt a performance
2
: something or someone exceptionally arresting or attractive
the gold crown was the showstopper of the exhibition
3
: one that stops or could stop the progress, operation, or functioning of something
Examples of showstopper in a Sentence
at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
The showstopper got fans talking as Brady, who played in the NFL for 23 seasons, hit the field for Super Bowl LIX, on Sunday, February 9, and then made his way to the Fox Sports announcer booth.
—
Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
Undeniably audacious in its plotting and conceit, Jacques Audiard’s musical about the wild odyssey of a transgender cartel boss in Mexico goes to places most movies wouldn’t dare, including a showstopper set during a transition surgery.
—Scott Tobias, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
The Dominicana is a gorgeous drink, a showstopper, directionally similar to the White Russian but a different experience altogether.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025
The final jump is generally the most explosive, meaning it must be landed well to create a real showstopper that – hopefully – leaves the judges with a good last impression of the run.
—Tim Genske, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
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Justin Gest, Newsweek, 10 Feb. 2025
Undeniably audacious in its plotting and conceit, Jacques Audiard’s musical about the wild odyssey of a transgender cartel boss in Mexico goes to places most movies wouldn’t dare, including a showstopper set during a transition surgery.
—Scott Tobias, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025
The Dominicana is a gorgeous drink, a showstopper, directionally similar to the White Russian but a different experience altogether.
—Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025
The final jump is generally the most explosive, meaning it must be landed well to create a real showstopper that – hopefully – leaves the judges with a good last impression of the run.
—Tim Genske, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
Cite this Entry
“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.
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