Definition of SHOWY

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

SpaceX's Falcon Heavy made its own showy first flight back in February. — Anatoly Zak, Popular Mechanics, "Russia's New Rocket Project Might Resurrect a Soviet-Era Colossus," 24 July 2018 The large daisy-like flowers with mounded heads and showy rose or pink rays (petals) are usually borne singly on stout stems, well above the foliage. — The Editors, Good Housekeeping, "How to Grow Gorgeous Echinacea in Your Garden," 29 May 2018 Stretch those showy design moments, like accent walls, to the ceiling and mimic the verticality with elongated accessories. — Joanna Linberg, Sunset, "10 Decorating Strategies Every Loft Apartment Needs," 22 Jan. 2018 The large daisy-like flowers with mounded heads and showy rose or pink rays (petals) are usually borne singly on stout stems, well above the foliage. — The Editors Of Organic Life, Good Housekeeping, "How To Grow Gorgeous Medicinal Echinacea In Your Garden," 17 July 2017 Her portrayal of a put-upon, constantly heartbroken woman whose concern for her brother places her in a state of misery and danger is never showy and always credible. — Glenn Kenny, New York Times, "Comic Performers Play It Dark in Netflix Movies," 20 Apr. 2018 But the sterile flowers each bear four large, showy, white sepals making an individual flower from 1/2-inch to 1-inch across. — Paul Cappiello, The Courier-Journal, "Why this Kentucky plant is the 'Manolo Blahniks' of the garden world," 22 June 2018 The version in a container makes a showy addition to a full-sun location on the patio. — Calvin Finch, San Antonio Express-News, "Container plants perfect for the San Antonio summer heat," 15 June 2018 In a similar vein, former nominee Williams was also given a number of showy scenes as the murderous Arya Stark. — refinery29.com, "The 2018 Emmys Love The Lannisters More Than The Starks," 12 July 2018

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.