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
Synonyms
Examples of showstopper in a Sentence
at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
Leave out a display-worthy jewelry box Why not go with a real showstopper for your jewelry storage?
—
Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 2 Jan. 2025
The proliferation issue doesn’t seem to be a showstopper, and there are ways to mitigate the risk.
—Emily Waltz, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Dec. 2024
None of these pieces (save for that sequinned tank) are showstoppers that would look out of place in the gym or on a coffee run; the appeal here comes down to smart styling.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2024
Introduced by the Southern Living Plant Collection, Golden Oakland® Holly maintains an upright, pyramidal form with little pruning, making this showstopper a breeze to maintain.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for showstopper 
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Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 2 Jan. 2025
The proliferation issue doesn’t seem to be a showstopper, and there are ways to mitigate the risk.
—Emily Waltz, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Dec. 2024
None of these pieces (save for that sequinned tank) are showstoppers that would look out of place in the gym or on a coffee run; the appeal here comes down to smart styling.
—Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 18 Dec. 2024
Introduced by the Southern Living Plant Collection, Golden Oakland® Holly maintains an upright, pyramidal form with little pruning, making this showstopper a breeze to maintain.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 11 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for showstopper
Dictionary Entries Near showstopper
Cite this Entry
“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
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