flashy

adjective

ˈfla-shē 

flashier; flashiest

1

: momentarily dazzling

2

a

: superficially attractive or impressive

… moving beyond the glitz and pizzazz of the flashy technology to teach true literacy …

—Barbara Jones-Kavalier and Suzanne Flannigan

b

: ostentatious or showy often beyond the bounds of good taste

driving around in flashy cars

especially : marked by gaudy brightness

flashy colors

3

chiefly dialectal : lacking in substance or flavor : insipid

flashily

ˈfla-shə-lē 

adverb

flashiness

ˈfla-shē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of flashy

• stylish
• snazzy
• fashionable
• splashy
• neat
• jazzy
• chic
• loud
• cool
• fresh
• custom
• designer

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

Inspired by Parton’s iconic flashy feminine style, Musgraves wore a formfitting hot-pink sparkly dress with feather trimming, silver hoop earrings, and purple eye shadow. — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 28 Sep. 2026

Philo hasn’t been as flashy as Chambliss during the Gators’ fast start, but has been efficient and unflappable at the controls of an attack setting a torrid pace while averaging 54 points. — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Sep. 2026

His Chris Hansen is all flashy surface, full of jittery go-getter energy and disturbingly devoid of inner life. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2026

But 18 months into Carney’s tenure, with trade talks once-again stalled and a flashy new alliance blooming with the European Union, the Canadian leader appears to be done taking the high road. — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1593, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for flashy

• ashy
• trashy

Kids Definition

flashy

adjective

ˈflash-ē 

flashier; flashiest

: gaudy

flashily

ˈflash-ə-lē 

adverb

flashiness

ˈflash-ē-nəs 

noun