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

The atmosphere is low-key but looks-wise the island is a showstopper – it’s surrounded by a beautiful aquamarine lagoon with stunning beaches and vibrant marine life. — Ann Lee, TheWeek, 24 Aug. 2026

And there will certainly be more events at the showstopper of a Shelter Island home. — Nate Freeman, Vanity Fair, 21 Aug. 2026

That aching ballad about wanting more, aside from being one of the big showstoppers, holds a special place for Greene. — ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026

Picking the right mask for your hair type and concern makes all the difference between a half-hearted quick fix and a true showstopper transformation. — Anya Meyerowitz, Glamour, 2 Aug. 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