showstopper
noun
show·stop·per
ˈshō-ˌstä-pər 
1
: an act, song, or performer that wins applause so prolonged as to interrupt a performance
2
: something or someone exceptionally arresting or attractive
the gold crown was the showstopper of the exhibition
3
: one that stops or could stop the progress, operation, or functioning of something
Synonyms of showstopper
Examples of showstopper in a Sentence
at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
The vegan cannellone with mushroom stuffing, almond Bechamel, and raw truss tomato sauce was a surprise showstopper.
—
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2026
The shareable meringue dessert is a real showstopper, and endlessly customizable.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
The two explain that Ann has made Baked Alaska several times in the past, and things have always gone off without a hitch, briefly flambéing the showstopper before serving up the ice cream confection.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
These elegant picks are sky’s-the-limit showstoppers worthy of such a huge milestone.
—Elena Odulak, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
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Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2026
The shareable meringue dessert is a real showstopper, and endlessly customizable.
—Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 31 Dec. 2025
The two explain that Ann has made Baked Alaska several times in the past, and things have always gone off without a hitch, briefly flambéing the showstopper before serving up the ice cream confection.
—Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025
These elegant picks are sky’s-the-limit showstoppers worthy of such a huge milestone.
—Elena Odulak, Glamour, 27 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
Cite this Entry
“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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