showstopper

noun

show·stop·per | \ ˈshō-ˌstä-pər

Definition of showstopper

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

Other Words from showstopper Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about showstopper

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Synonyms & Antonyms for showstopper

Synonyms

babe [slang], cutie (or cutey), dish, doll, dreamboat [slang], fox, glamour-puss, hottie, knockout, looker, ten

Antonyms

dog

Examples of showstopper in a Sentence

at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper

Recent Examples on the Web

Though there will be no shortage of inventive celebrity Halloween costumes—Heidi Klum has yet to debut her annual showstopper—the couture throwback provided a stunning counterpoint to creepier fare often associated with the holiday. — Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, "This Supermodel’s Couture Halloween Costume Must Be Seen to Be Believed," 30 Oct. 2018 It is introduced by the showstopper: a slightly larger than life-size sentinel that guarded Tut’s Ka, or life force. — Christopher Knight, latimes.com, "How good is the King Tut exhibition? An art critic weighs in," 29 Mar. 2018 Gohar's photogenic spread (this one edible) riffed on the designer's dual nationalities, with mooncakes and dim sum and—the showstopper—a koi fish molded out of champagne gelée. — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, "Simone Rocha and Laila Gohar Create a Fantasy Banquet Inside Dover Street Market," 8 Feb. 2019 For her evening reception, Eugenie donned a blush gown by Zac Posen, which was unexpected and a real showstopper. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Princess Eugenie Steps out for the First Time Since the Royal Wedding Alongside Princess Beatrice," 4 Nov. 2018 Fasten your seatbelts for this showstopper of a safety routine. — Zoe Szathmary, Fox News, "Viral clip shows Virgin America flight attendant dancing along to safety video in final performance," 30 July 2018 But the showstopper is the 1881, a haunting, complex wine with an incredible silky texture and a lingering kiss of fruit. — Jay Mcinerney, Town & Country, "A New Era Begins at Château Lafite as Baron de Rothschild Hands Leadership Over to His Daughter," 13 Aug. 2018 This was Siriano's dream Hawaii vacation, in everything from elegant tropical prints in dresses and flared trousers with matching chunky heels to animal prints to a showstopper of an organza evening gown in chartreuse. — Leanne Italie, Fox News, "Christian Siriano puts some politics on his Hawaii runway," 10 Sep. 2018 From the pasta necklace made for Meghan by a fan, to the spiral Tattoo Pendant that represents New Zealand, Meghan's tour jewelry has been a continual showstopper. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Meghan Markle's Unique Necklace Is a Symbol of Strength and Integrity," 31 Oct. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'showstopper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.