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flashy

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adjective

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flashy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flashy are garish, gaudy, meretricious, and tawdry. While all these words mean "vulgarly or cheaply showy," flashy implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar.

a flashy nightclub act

When can garish be used instead of flashy?

Although the words garish and flashy have much in common, garish describes what is distressingly or offensively bright.

garish neon signs

When is it sensible to use gaudy instead of flashy?

The meanings of gaudy and flashy largely overlap; however, gaudy implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation.

circus performers in gaudy costumes

When might meretricious be a better fit than flashy?

The synonyms meretricious and flashy are sometimes interchangeable, but meretricious stresses falsity and may describe a tawdry show that beckons with a false allure or promise.

a meretricious wasteland of casinos and bars

When would tawdry be a good substitute for flashy?

In some situations, the words tawdry and flashy are roughly equivalent. However, tawdry applies to what is at once gaudy and cheap and sleazy.

tawdry saloons

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 flashiness
Adjective
His flashiest assists were offset by foolhardy turnovers. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 Neither gravitates toward the flashier aspects of the virtuoso life style. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 Those chasing flashy marketing will be left behind. Lutz Finger, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Strategic workforce management isn’t about slashing headcount for the sake of flashy cost-cutting. Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flashiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flashiness
Noun
  • As luxury fashion began to tilt toward flamboyance and logo-happy flash, the Meiers were unafraid to show something as stark as pencil-straight dark trousers with a white button-up.
    Jacob Gallagher, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025
  • That’s why the two-level Red Katz has the allure of a Parisian brasserie, the flamboyance of a 1930s New York City speakeasy and a mouthwatering menu that beautifully blends their Asian roots and French epicureanism.
    Lily Templeton, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • This hat offers a throwback ‘90s look while keeping you stylish and protected.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
  • It was designed by Martina Fenech Adami to showcase how micro-living can be both stylish and sustainable.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 11 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • This stone and glass shade is breathtakingly beautiful without being too loud or funky.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2025
  • While exposure to loud noises is a common cause of hair cell damage in humans, hearing loss in dogs is usually attributed to genetics or the natural aging process.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The pink-and-brown mansion, often considered a monument to Roaring 20s ostentation, stretches from Lake Worth to the Atlantic Ocean and contains 58 bedrooms, 33 bathrooms, three bomb shelters, a theater, a ballroom and a nine-hole golf course.
    Miami Herasld Archives, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
  • The mansion, often considered a monument to Roaring ‘20s ostentation, stretches from the Intracoastal to the Atlantic Ocean.
    Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Also, the uniform requirement — Hoka or ON sneakers, Lululemon tank, pants or leggings, or a snazzy blazer — is a bit much.
    Zach Przystup, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The primary suite comes complete with two closets, along with a luxe bath containing dual vanities, a snazzy soaking tub, and a glassy shower.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Our emissions are simply too loud, too noisy, and too difficult to remove.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The resulting truck was so noisy it couldn’t be sold in several states, including California, Florida, and Maryland.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • From the glitz of Netflix’s Survival Of The Thickest premiere to powerful speeches at the 36th Annual GLAAD Media Awards, this week’s Star Gazing roundup is filled with Black excellence, bold fashion, and unforgettable moments.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 31 Mar. 2025
  • In 1993, McDougal left the The Times, where had covered the glitz and corruption of the Hollywood film industry, to focus on writing books.
    Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Newly single Rachel Zoe, meanwhile, made a grand entrance flanked by a fashionable crew.
    Brianne Tracy, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • By the 1960s, women were making more fashionable style choices.
    Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flashiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flashiness. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.

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