Main Entry:

showy

Pronunciation:

\ˈshō-ē\

Function:

adjective

Inflected Form(s):

show·i·er; show·i·est

Date:

1709

1 : making an attractive show : striking <a showy orchid> 2 : given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display

— show·i·ly \ˈshō-ə-lē\ adverb

— show·i·ness \ˈshō-ē-nəs\ noun

synonyms 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>.