showy

adjective

ˈshō-ē How to pronounce showy (audio)
Definition of showynext
as in noticeable
likely to attract attention orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word showy different from other adjectives like it?

The words ostentatious and pretentious are common synonyms of showy. While all three words mean "given to excessive outward display," showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste.

the performers' showy costumes

When might ostentatious be a better fit than showy?

In some situations, the words ostentatious and showy are roughly equivalent. However, ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade.

the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

When can pretentious be used instead of showy?

The synonyms pretentious and showy are sometimes interchangeable, but pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing.

a pretentious parade of hard words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of showy Juliet’s song is even louder and showier than Romeo’s. — Donna L. Maney, Scientific American, 18 Feb. 2025 Men’s fashion week has long been considered the quieter, less showy sibling of the long-standing women’s event. — Joy Montgomery, Vogue, 5 Feb. 2025 Advertisement The fate of the nearby Bruin, which opened in 1937, remains unclear; it was not purchased along with its more showy sibling. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2024 The film will also likely need Baker to surpass some showy directorial achievements for Neon to claim its second-ever best picture winner. — Clayton Davis, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for showy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy
  1. noticeable
  2. prominent
  3. dramatic
  4. commanding
  5. remarkable
  6. impressive
  7. striking
  8. conspicuous
Adjective
  • Use the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle more noticeable.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Some of them, like the new experimental version of 2.5 Pro, are beginning to show noticeable vibe improvements.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 1 Apr. 2025
Definition of noticeable
Adjective
  • Even the normally undemonstrative Sarabia was prominent in the post-match as fans and players celebrated a job almost completed.
    — Steve Madeley, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • John Schwartz has emerged as a prominent voice behind a broader campaign of coordinated economic protests.
    — John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of prominent
Adjective
  • The move marks a dramatic shift from Trump’s earlier hardline stance.
    — Esat Dedezade, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Donald Trump’s tariff announcement has baffled global leaders and forced markets to reckon with the fallout from America’s dramatic shift in international trade policy.
    — The Editors, The Atlantic, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of dramatic
Adjective
  • Since launching his campaign in March, Cuomo has taken a commanding lead in the polls and siphoned some of Adams’s old political coalition.
    — David Sivak, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The Big Cat still holds a commanding lead in career earnings at $120,999,166.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of commanding
Adjective
  • Thank you to all the remarkable health care workers, who take our lives in your hands.
    — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • O'Donnell's departure on February 28 marked a remarkable 39-day span of rotating commissioners.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of remarkable
Adjective
  • Lewis comes in ranked No. 9, so a victory from Teixeira—especially an impressive one—will likely land him in the Top 10.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • While his Jackhammer is an impressive feat of strength, the Spear is what made Goldberg a monster.
    — Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of impressive
Adjective
  • But what’s most striking on this new photo is at the top of the phone.
    — David Phelan, Forbes.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • The sunset colors of the house’s terra-cotta facade are as striking and ornate as ever.
    — Thao Thai, Southern Living, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of striking
Adjective
  • George Leef made note of the outlet’s conspicuous hostility toward the capitalist enterprise.
    — Noah Rothman, National Review, 2 Apr. 2025
  • There was a point where that was much more conspicuous.
    — Lexy Perez, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of conspicuous

Browse Nearby Words

show up (for)
showy
shrank
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showy. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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