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

Yosemite is home to plenty of animal species, including showstoppers like the black bear, Sierra Nevada red fox, mountain lion, and deer. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2025

Every year, casts from some of the biggest musicals perform a showstopper in front of Macy's flagship store at Herald Square. —Allison Degrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 27 Nov. 2025

There’s no shortage of impressive Black Friday deals at Amazon, but these finds are true showstoppers. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025

Inside this all-electric showstopper, designed with customizable luxury interiors and an exceptional sound system, drivers will experience peace and tranquility even at the most bustling intersections. —Robb Report Studio, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2025

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