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 But Grande, in the showier role as the perky, plucky Glinda, owns the movie with her hair flips and humorous hubris. —

Eric Andersson, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 Sun Exposure: Part to full shade Soil Type: Moist, well-draining, rich Soil pH: Slightly acidic to Neutral (6.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9 Hostas are well known for their showy foliage—and their propensity to attract slugs and snails. —

Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2024 The former President’s Boeing 757, known as Trump Force One, performed a showy flyover as thousands of supporters cheered. —

Peter Slevin, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2024 The Tver attack follows another showy Ukrainian operation on Russian soil: August’s shock offensive into Russia’s Kursk region that has captured about 500 square miles of territory. —

Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for showy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy

Adjective

The Bayern squad has shown some noticeable holes this season, with the attack, in particular, lacking depth.

Manuel Veth, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024
Generally speaking, patients should anticipate seeing noticeable results in a few months, with full results appearing in 12 to 18 months.

Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024