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

Geraniums' colorful blooms and the striking leaves and showy flowers of the canna lily are easy to care for and beautiful. —Jamie McIntosh, The Spruce, 3 Mar. 2026

There are still moments of showy technical prowess (including crowd scenes where thousands of butterflies fly across the screen at one time), but the film’s rounded and adorable character designs for its animals prove refreshingly simple. —Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 2 Mar. 2026

Spring blooms are not particularly showy but provide an abundance of nectar for pollinators. —Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 28 Feb. 2026

Many of the best and showiest varieties are grafted onto a wild rootstock. —Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 27 Feb. 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