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

showstopping

ˈshō-ˌstä-piŋ 

adjective

Synonyms of showstopper

• doll
• looker
• lovely
• beauty
• eyeful
• babe
• dish
• ten
• dreamboat

Examples of showstopper in a Sentence

at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper

Recent Examples on the Web

Vintage Italian pewter makes this set of round coasters a tabletop showstopper. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 19 Mar. 2026

One of the summer showstoppers is the Santa Barbara daisy, known for its gray-green leaves and yellow-center flowers. —Charlie Vargas, Oc Register, 18 Mar. 2026

Zoe Saldana's stunning Cartier high-jewelry necklace is set with platinum, rubies, and diamonds, making for a deco-esque showstopper. —Madeline Hirsch, InStyle, 15 Mar. 2026

These recipes take ham beyond the usual turning leftovers into stars and centerpieces into showstoppers. —Maggie Meyer Glisan, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for showstopper

• eavesdropper
• grasshopper
• improper
• leafhopper
• sharecropper
• chopper
• copper
• cropper
• dropper
• pauper
• popper
• proper