showiness 1 of 2

showy

2 of 2

adjective

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 showiness
Adjective
First class on the Qantas Airbus A380 is a showy affair, equipped with high-end champagne and meals, fancy amenity kits, and doting service. Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2025 There’s an entertainment and information component, too — somewhat like eating at a chef’s table, with showy beverages instead. Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 26 Feb. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for showiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for showiness
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Based on the study’s results, Tucker’s team believes that survivors of severe trauma may see noticeable changes in their biological systems’ baseline levels.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left Augusta National Golf Club with a noticeable change in its lush greenery.
    Ashley J. DiMella Fox News, FOXNews.com, 9 Apr. 2025
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
  • Meanwhile, the always captivating Dafoe, at one point wearing full armor, exhibits a not atypical, full-bodied macho flamboyance as a man who regrets not having a son.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Greer served as chief of staff to then-trade representative Robert Lighthizer during the first Trump administration, giving him a front row seat and a prominent role in negotiations with China on tariffs and an eventual trade agreement.
    Brett Samuels, The Hill, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Among them was the explanation that Wuhan – the Chinese city where the virus first began spreading – is home to a prominent virology lab.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The record itself is pretty stripped down, with a small combo and not a lot of ornamentation.
    Chris Willman, Variety, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Pope Francis’s tweaks are mostly focused on simplifying the ceremonies and eliminating unnecessary ornamentation.
    Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • But don't focus directly on the radiant — some of the most dramatic meteors often appear farther away, streaking across the surrounding sky.
    Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 17 Apr. 2025
  • In footage posted to X (formerly Twitter) on April 15, Sweeney could be seen walking down an aisle in a dramatic white wedding gown featuring a strapless corset bodice and billowing princess skirt.
    Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Elite football is very demanding, but anything that makes people enjoy it more and is more of a spectacle.
    Guillermo Rai, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Without the spectacle of a subscriber gain this time around, the company’s shares ticked up in after-hours trading but by a comparatively modest 4%.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • On election day, early results gave Cárdenas a commanding lead over the PRI’s candidate, Carlos Salinas de Gortari.
    Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025
  • After the first leg in Lyon had ended 2-2 last week, United took a commanding lead in Thursday’s return fixture thanks to first-half goals from Manuel Ugarte and Diogo Dalot.
    George Ramsay, CNN Money, 18 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!