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

Each composition, cut, and camera move is expressive and carefully selected, and the lighting by cinematographer Ellen Kuras is beautiful without feeling self-conscious or showy. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 June 2026

But Raman — whose husband is veteran 30 Rock writer and producer Vali Chandrasekaran — has quietly subverted her showy target in a way befitting that series. —Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 6 June 2026

Hydrangeas have attractive foliage and bark, but most are grown for their large, showy blossoms. —Marie Iannotti, The Spruce, 29 May 2026

These cheerful flowers add an extra burst of color to your garden, creating another layer of blooms below the showy sunflowers. —Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 May 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