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
The showstopper here is the flaming chorizo, which adds a touch of drama to dinner.
—
Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2024
But in the chaotic political landscape of 2024, a simple statement of fact served as the showstopper on Tuesday’s showdown between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
—Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024
So many of the moments Crowley presents are touchstones in most people’s lives: the childbirth scene is a showstopper, and Tobias’ proposal — bashfully delivered at the end of a hallway lined with candles and carrots — ranks up there with Hugh Grant classics.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Sep. 2024
The humongous pretzel charcuterie board was a showstopper, and there was something crispy and magical about the chicken wings.
—Rasputin Todd, The Enquirer, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for showstopper 
Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2024
But in the chaotic political landscape of 2024, a simple statement of fact served as the showstopper on Tuesday’s showdown between former President Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
—Stephen Battaglio, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2024
So many of the moments Crowley presents are touchstones in most people’s lives: the childbirth scene is a showstopper, and Tobias’ proposal — bashfully delivered at the end of a hallway lined with candles and carrots — ranks up there with Hugh Grant classics.
—Peter Debruge, Variety, 7 Sep. 2024
The humongous pretzel charcuterie board was a showstopper, and there was something crispy and magical about the chicken wings.
—Rasputin Todd, The Enquirer, 15 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for showstopper
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'showstopper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 28 Sep. 2024.
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