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

• arresting
• bodacious
• bold
• brilliant
• catchy
• commanding
• conspicuous
• dramatic
• emphatic
• eye-catching
• flamboyant
• grabby
• kenspeckle [chiefly Scottish]
• marked
• noisy
• noticeable
• prominent
• pronounced
• remarkable
• splashy
• striking

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

Weisz has the showy lead role (Kim Stanley, who played the same part decades ago, got an Oscar nomination for her efforts). —Brent Lang, Variety, 13 May 2025

Bohemian Rhapsody might have been god-awful, but the role of Freddie Mercury was as singular as it was showy — that of an icon who demanded a place for himself in the spotlight through sheer talent and force of will. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025

LaKeith Stanfield LaKeith Stanfield rocks a showy coat that trails behind him, topping his look off with a wide-brimmed hat, red handkerchief and a cummerbund by Ferragmo plus DIDRIS jewelry. —Brendan Le, People.com, 6 May 2025

Wind doesn’t require a showy flower nor a nectar reward. —Christine Cairns Fortuin, The Conversation, 5 May 2025

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