flashy

adjective

ˈfla-shē 

flashier; flashiest

1

chiefly dialectal : lacking in substance or flavor : insipid

2

: momentarily dazzling

3

a

: superficially attractive or impressive

b

: ostentatious or showy often beyond the bounds of good taste

especially : marked by gaudy brightness

flashily

ˈfla-shə-lē 

adverb

flashiness

ˈfla-shē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• stylish
• snazzy
• fashionable
• neat
• cool
• splashy
• chic
• jazzy
• fresh [slang]
• custom
• designer
• smart

Choose the Right Synonym for flashy

gaudy, tawdry, garish, flashy, meretricious mean vulgarly or cheaply showy.

gaudy implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation.

circus performers in gaudy costumes

tawdry applies to what is at once gaudy and cheap and sleazy.

tawdry saloons

garish describes what is distressingly or offensively bright.

garish neon signs

flashy implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar.

a flashy nightclub act

meretricious stresses falsity and may describe a tawdry show that beckons with a false allure or promise.

a meretricious wasteland of casinos and bars

Examples of flashy in a Sentence

rich young men who drive flashy cars

I bought the CD primarily for its flashy cover design.

Recent Examples on the Web

Seattle isn’t flashy but is solid, sneaky good, with the second-best points differential in the NFL and Sam Darnold-to-Jaxon Smith-Njigba an unheralded-but-potent hookup. —Miami Herald, 24 Sep. 2025

The final range is a blend of Enriquez’s playfulness and Jardini’s lighthearted sophistication, expressed via bold patterns, flashy prints and vibrant colors. —Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2025

With pool areas, flashy stage shows and margaritas aplenty, the vessel came equipped with everything guests needed for a fun, sunny getaway. —Nathan Diller, USA Today, 23 Sep. 2025

Linen, wicker, and toile de Jouy replace the city’s usual flashy neon and leather. —Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for flashy

• ashy
• trashy

Kids Definition

flashy

adjective

ˈflash-ē 

flashier; flashiest

: gaudy

flashily

ˈflash-ə-lē 

adverb

flashiness

ˈflash-ē-nəs 

noun