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Definition of showynext

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 showy Another showy Thai hybrid to be on the lookout for is ‘Iceman,’ with random narrow green lines contrasting against its thick, silvery leaves. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Oct. 2025 Hawke’s isn’t a showy performance, despite Lorenz’s brash persona. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2025 For houseplant lovers looking to upgrade from a classic Monstera deliciosa, 'Esqueleto' is just as showy and impressive, with even more dramatic leaves. Andrea Beck, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Oct. 2025 Johnson’s performance is humble rather than showy, an impressive feat of control and restraint. Richard Lawson, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for showy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy
Adjective
  • The tint is sheer and subtle but makes a noticeable difference in evening out skin tone and camouflaging discoloration.
    Tamim Alnuweiri, InStyle, 10 Jan. 2026
  • While Reconcept recommends sessions of at least 30 minutes, shorter experiences can still produce noticeable effects.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Art enthusiasts Hans Ottinot, a prominent Broward attorney, and Nelson Adams, a Miami obstetrician associated with Jackson Memorial, are central to the museum’s dream team.
    Dorothy Jenkins Fields, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
  • This pair, complete with the prominent markings always featured on the classic style, has a memory foam insert and a rubber sole that’s especially good for slippery winter weather.
    Alyssa Grabinski, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • At this point, Lawrence needs a commanding postseason display to turn that around.
    Larry Holder, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The Colorado Avalanche solidified their lead atop the Central Division on Sunday, emphatically, building a commanding lead and giving Minnesota Wild fans precious little to cheer about.
    Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 22 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Parallel societies in certain urban areas and rising violent crime statistics linked to some migrant cohorts in countries such as Sweden and Germany led to the dramatic rise of populist and patriotic parties across the continent, from France to Italy to the Netherlands.
    Daniel Ross Goodman, The Washington Examiner, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Hudson’s performance kicks into a surprising dramatic gear, the actress’s playful Milwaukee accent settling into a relatively somber key, grappling with dreams dashed.
    David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 8 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • What’s remarkable is the Leafs have done it without Tanev, their best penalty killer, for most of the season and without another top penalty killer, Brandon Carlo, for the better part of the last two months.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The whimsical term has also been the title of countless poems, songs and books about remarkable coincidences or eureka moments.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This impressive deal only applies to the six-piece set, which includes five compression packing cubes and one drawstring bag in select colors.
    Emily Belfiore, Travel + Leisure, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Joseph’s most recent work in Denver, however, happens to be some of the most impressive as the unit ranked second in total defense, third in scoring and in the top-ten against both the run and pass.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • Calf & Pony Hair The sleek, tactile surface of pony hair adds a bold edge to any accessory, creating a striking contrast in bags, hats, and footwear.
    Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 9 Nov. 2025
  • Several of the most striking photographs in the book are of the studio itself, which appears empty except for a pair of high heels reflected in a wall of mirrors or a rumpled military blanket, a favorite backdrop, pinned to a bare wall.
    Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 8 Nov. 2025
Adjective
  • The disdain for law has been especially conspicuous in the deportation campaign, as Chicagoans know.
    Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
  • It’s left to a solid assortment of talking heads, with very conspicuous absences, to fill in the myriad gaps.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 Dec. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showy. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on showy

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