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
Synonyms of showstopper
Examples of showstopper in a Sentence
at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
The Bruins closed with their showstoppers on the floor exercise.
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Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
With previous showstoppers such as The Blooming of the Mosasaurs—a bold blue ensemble inspired by a prehistoric marine reptile whose fossils have been discovered in Angola, Africa, as well as in Louisiana—Zulu plans every suit to be his best one yet.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
One potential showstopper after another fell flat, every song undersold and suffering from a paucity of punch.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026
This showstopper of a dessert mashes up the bold caffeinated flavors of classic tiramisu with the perfectly wobbly, creamy perfection of panna cotta.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
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Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2026
With previous showstoppers such as The Blooming of the Mosasaurs—a bold blue ensemble inspired by a prehistoric marine reptile whose fossils have been discovered in Angola, Africa, as well as in Louisiana—Zulu plans every suit to be his best one yet.
—Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
One potential showstopper after another fell flat, every song undersold and suffering from a paucity of punch.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 28 Jan. 2026
This showstopper of a dessert mashes up the bold caffeinated flavors of classic tiramisu with the perfectly wobbly, creamy perfection of panna cotta.
—Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
Cite this Entry
“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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