showy

adjective

ˈshō-ē 

showier; showiest

1

: making an attractive show : striking

a showy orchid

2

: given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display

showily

ˈshō-ə-lē 

adverb

showiness

ˈshō-ē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of showy

• noticeable
• prominent
• commanding
• dramatic
• remarkable
• impressive
• striking
• conspicuous

Choose the Right Synonym for showy

showy, pretentious, ostentatious mean given to excessive outward display.

showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste.

the performers' showy costumes

pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing.

a pretentious parade of hard words

ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade.

the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

Examples of showy in a Sentence

Perhaps you should wear something a little less showy.

orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers

Recent Examples on the Web

Growing just three to four feet tall and wide, this magnificent patio specimen attracts hummingbirds with its showy blooms that mature into small fruit. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026

Florist mums are typically sold in pots in fall and are bursting with countless blooms in showy autumn shades. — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 29 Oct. 2026

But the Sonnenberg—a balconied building of four stories—is not a showy facility. — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026

The modern version is far more sumptuous than the hard-wearing trousers of our youth—an everyman’s velvet, rich but rarely showy. — John Vorwald, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for showy

• chloe
• doughy
• joey
• lowy

Kids Definition

showy

adjective

ˈshō-ē 

showier; showiest

1

: attracting attention : striking

showy blossoms

2

: given to or marked by much outward display : gaudy

showy jewelry

showily

ˈshō-ə-lē 

adverb

showiness

ˈshō-ē-nəs 

noun