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
Examples of showstopper in a Sentence
at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
But the true showstopper on board is sure to be the Funnel Suite.
—
Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2024
Best Things to Do Big Talbot Island State Park
Big Talbot Island State Park is home to black skimmers, endangered wood storks, and ospreys, but the real showstopper here is Boneyard Beach, one of the most beautiful places in Florida.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024
The showstopper was richer, more intense and felt denser on the tongue.
—Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024
The dinner was excellent, but the real showstopper was the staff—from maids to managers—who came together at the end to serenade us with Botswanan songs and dances.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2024
While penumbral lunar eclipses are not exactly visual showstoppers, in astrology, eclipses always demand attention.
—Emily Newhouse, Allure, 22 Mar. 2024
The real showstoppers are the steaks, most notably the selection of wagyu, served by the ounce or as a flight of selections from around the world.
—Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2024
As the impeccable Matt Rodin pushes Jamie’s neurosis into hyperdrive, Elliott punctuates the showstopper with kinetic staging that finds a laugh lurking around every corner.
—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024
Every holiday meal needs a showstopper dessert to top off the celebration.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024
Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2024
Best Things to Do Big Talbot Island State Park
Big Talbot Island State Park is home to black skimmers, endangered wood storks, and ospreys, but the real showstopper here is Boneyard Beach, one of the most beautiful places in Florida.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024
The showstopper was richer, more intense and felt denser on the tongue.
—Melissa Clark, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024
The dinner was excellent, but the real showstopper was the staff—from maids to managers—who came together at the end to serenade us with Botswanan songs and dances.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2024
While penumbral lunar eclipses are not exactly visual showstoppers, in astrology, eclipses always demand attention.
—Emily Newhouse, Allure, 22 Mar. 2024
The real showstoppers are the steaks, most notably the selection of wagyu, served by the ounce or as a flight of selections from around the world.
—Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2024
As the impeccable Matt Rodin pushes Jamie’s neurosis into hyperdrive, Elliott punctuates the showstopper with kinetic staging that finds a laugh lurking around every corner.
—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 15 Mar. 2024
Every holiday meal needs a showstopper dessert to top off the celebration.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'showstopper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near showstopper
Cite this Entry
“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.
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