showy

\ ˈshō-ē

How to pronounce showy (audio)

\

showier; showiest

Definition of showy

1 : making an attractive show : striking a showy orchid

2 : given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display

Other Words from showy Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about showy

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Choose the Right Synonym for showy

showy, pretentious, ostentatious mean given to excessive outward display. showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste. the performers' showy costumes pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing. a pretentious parade of hard words ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade. the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

Examples of showy in a Sentence

Perhaps you should wear something a little less showy. orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers

Recent Examples on the Web Trump wants a relatively broad, perhaps showy, Senate proceeding to not only acquit but also vindicate him of the impeachment charges. — Time, "Majority of House Supports President Trump's Impeachment: AP," 18 Dec. 2019 Trump wants a relatively broad, perhaps showy, Senate proceeding to not only acquit but also vindicate him of the impeachment charges. — Mary Clare Jalonick, Twin Cities, "House nears impeachment as Trump decries ‘vicious crusade’," 17 Dec. 2019 The period detail stays on the right side of showy, but most important, people here inhabit spaces appropriate to their class and character. — Robert Lloyd, latimes.com, "Review: Cop drama 'City On A Hill' finds Ben Affleck and Matt Damon's Boston is no beacon," 14 June 2019 Aioli is jazzy, showy, and a downright attention hog next to chill and classic mayo. — Bon Appétit, "I Cook for a Living and Even I Make Aioli From Store-Bought Mayo," 21 Nov. 2019 With these less showy but still crucial roles, the two older performers do sterling, backup-singer work keeping things in tune. — Leslie Felperin, The Hollywood Reporter, "'Blackbird': Film Review | TIFF 2019," 7 Sep. 2019 Its narration is intelligent yet conversational; its sophisticated sound design guides us along without being showy or intrusive. — Sarah Larson, The New Yorker, "The Art of the Impeachment Podcast," 21 Nov. 2019 Some, especially in the western parts of the country, have long seen him as too showy and sanctimonious, an elitist do-gooder who was never up to the job. — BostonGlobe.com, "Revelations that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada has dressed up in brownface and blackface on multiple occasions have rocked his re-election campaign, reinforcing a narrative that has dogged him throughout his political career: that he isn’t really who he portrays himself to be.," 20 Sep. 2019 To this end, Wynn said there’s at least some evidence that her approach to the internet, however showy or absurd, is working. — Hallie Miller, baltimoresun.com, "This Baltimore YouTube star wants to change minds about transgender issues, one absurd costume at a time," 25 Oct. 2019

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

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Dictionary Entries near showy

showy crab apple

showy lady's-slipper

Statistics for showy

Last Updated

10 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Showy.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showy. Accessed 19 January 2020.

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