SHOWY Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

showy

adjective

ˈshō-ē

Definition of showy next

as in noticeable

likely to attract attention orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Examples 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 Clad in leather pants with a swath of showy moves, hip swaying melodies abound in each song. —

Mars Salazar, Ramon Ramirez, Lily Kepner, Deborah Sengupta Stith, Caleb Yum, Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Oct. 2024 In May of that year Musk revealed his Crew Dragon spacecraft to the world with a characteristically showy event at the company’s headquarters in Hawthorne. —

Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 24 Sep. 2024 The movie is not visually showy, but that’s part of its appeal. —

Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 7 Sep. 2024 Luckily, the showy bracts can hold their colors for months. —

Janet B. Carson, arkansasonline.com, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for showy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy

Adjective

The difference in how Andrew carries himself now is noticeable, Caroline said.

— Silas Allen, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Jan. 2025
For a movie that looks so remarkably good – from the oppressive, classical set design to the astounding lighting work – Ash's (Rook this time around) uncanny comeback was a noticeable exception.

— Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025