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
Examples of showstopper in a Sentence
at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
With glowing eyes, a chilling Vincent Price-style voice (delivering deliciously cheesy dialogue), and four points of ghostly animatronic movement, this bony specter is every bit the haunted showstopper.
—
PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
Toby has also continuously struggled, and his showstopper might have been worse, but his triumph in the signature may have been enough to keep him for one more week.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
The look Sweeney took inspiration from was first worn on the runway ensconced in a gargantuan, white faux fur coat, before the model stripped it off to reveal the silver showstopper underneath.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Third-round wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has two catches this season, both of which have been one-handed showstoppers.
—Josh Kendall, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
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PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2025
Toby has also continuously struggled, and his showstopper might have been worse, but his triumph in the signature may have been enough to keep him for one more week.
—Brian Moylan, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
The look Sweeney took inspiration from was first worn on the runway ensconced in a gargantuan, white faux fur coat, before the model stripped it off to reveal the silver showstopper underneath.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 1 Oct. 2025
Third-round wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa has two catches this season, both of which have been one-handed showstoppers.
—Josh Kendall, New York Times, 30 Sep. 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 7 Oct. 2025.
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