showy

adjective

ˈshō-ē 

showier; showiest

1

: making an attractive show : striking

a showy orchid

2

: given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display

showily

ˈshō-ə-lē 

adverb

showiness

ˈshō-ē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms of showy

• noticeable
• prominent
• commanding
• dramatic
• remarkable
• impressive
• striking
• conspicuous

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

Stallone wears the showy boots featuring tassels and a Nike swoosh in the opening montage of the 1982 film. —CBS News, 16 June 2026

Roses are one of the most popular flowers in the world due to their showy blooms and enticing fragrance. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 June 2026

Each composition, cut, and camera move is expressive and carefully selected, and the lighting by cinematographer Ellen Kuras is beautiful without feeling self-conscious or showy. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 June 2026

The little buds in the center of the lacecap are the fertile flowers, and the large, showy blossoms around the outer edge are the sterile flowers. —Steve Bender, Southern Living, 9 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for showy

• chloe
• doughy
• joey
• lowy

Kids Definition

showy

adjective

ˈshō-ē 

showier; showiest

1

: attracting attention : striking

showy blossoms

2

: given to or marked by much outward display : gaudy

showy jewelry

showily

ˈshō-ə-lē 

adverb

showiness

ˈshō-ē-nəs 

noun