showstopper
noun
show·stop·per
ˈshō-ˌstä-pər 
1
: an act, song, or performer that wins applause so prolonged as to interrupt a performance
2
: something or someone exceptionally arresting or attractive
the gold crown was the showstopper of the exhibition
3
: one that stops or could stop the progress, operation, or functioning of something
Synonyms of showstopper
Examples of showstopper in a Sentence
at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
These recipes take ham beyond the usual turning leftovers into stars and centerpieces into showstoppers.
—
Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2026
Doric columns lend a sense of timeless elegance, the original chandelier still hangs from the embellished coffered ceiling, and two mezzanine library galleries overlook the room from either end—but the real showstopper is the art.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2026
Most of the plates – from the small potato pittas to a showstopper slab of Dorset lamb – are made for sharing, and bear the charred, smoky marks of the flame.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 12 Mar. 2026
Flawless prime-grade brisket with a sweet, tangy glaze is still the showstopper here, and it’s accompanied by the quintessential Central Texas lineup of pork ribs, turkey, and jalapeño-Cheddar sausage.
—Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
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Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2026
Doric columns lend a sense of timeless elegance, the original chandelier still hangs from the embellished coffered ceiling, and two mezzanine library galleries overlook the room from either end—but the real showstopper is the art.
—Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2026
Most of the plates – from the small potato pittas to a showstopper slab of Dorset lamb – are made for sharing, and bear the charred, smoky marks of the flame.
—The Week Uk, TheWeek, 12 Mar. 2026
Flawless prime-grade brisket with a sweet, tangy glaze is still the showstopper here, and it’s accompanied by the quintessential Central Texas lineup of pork ribs, turkey, and jalapeño-Cheddar sausage.
—Robert F. Moss, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
Cite this Entry
“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
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