Synonym Chooser

How is the word showy different from other adjectives like it?

The words ostentatious and pretentious are common synonyms of showy. While all three words mean "given to excessive outward display," showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste.

the performers' showy costumes

When might ostentatious be a better fit than showy?

In some situations, the words ostentatious and showy are roughly equivalent. However, ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade.

the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

When can pretentious be used instead of showy?

The synonyms pretentious and showy are sometimes interchangeable, but pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing.

a pretentious parade of hard words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of showy Vie finds Doja’s typically unorthodox vocals shadowboxing with the showy melisma of the classics. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2025 But her singing now is less showy and more nuanced and carefully modulated. George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Sep. 2025 Under a tent shrouded in shade cloth at the Desert Botanical Garden, a place known for its showy cactus displays and wildflower blooms, sits a curious collection of inconspicuous plants that could be easily overlooked by the untrained eye. John Leos, AZCentral.com, 26 Sep. 2025 Apartments in other building sare renting at market rates, like those in the showy 27-story tower at 1515 Surf Avenue. Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for showy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy
Adjective
  • As far as the sustainability of humanity's energy consumption, Cohan said, the world is on the verge of making noticeable gains in protecting the environment from fossil fuel use.
    Alana Wise, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025
  • The immediate post-facial glow was noticeable, but the more gradual improvements came from regular, at-home use.
    Samantha Leal, StyleCaster, 9 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Gruda, signed from Mainz for £25million in August 2024, has been more prominent in Hurzeler’s attacking plans in his second season at the club, scoring twice and contributing two assists across eight appearances in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • As far as politicians go, few have earned as much respect among Palestinians as Marwan Barghouti, the most prominent Palestinian prisoner who is serving five life sentences in an Israeli jail.
    Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Byrne was at the top of Bronstein’s list to play Linda, a role requiring someone who could balance raw, dramatic emotion with a bit of humor.
    Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Glenn Close Glenn Close opted for a dramatic jumpsuit, wearing a shimmering look that was contrasted by her black opera gloves.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Instead, Reeves became Estragon, the more simplistic and long-suffering of the duo, while Winter tackled Vladimir, the more commanding and verbose character.
    Brent Lang, Variety, 1 Oct. 2025
  • Since the late 90s, Jungen has forged a name for himself internationally through his commanding sculptural practice.
    News Desk, Artforum, 29 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The Dodgers’ mood after Game 2 was one of jubilation, a remarkable conclusion to an enthralling game.
    Fabian Ardaya, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The Sennheiser Momentum 4 are top-level headphones, boasting a remarkable 60-hour battery life, rich and detailed sound, and adaptive ANC that just works, all while being light enough for all-day use.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The hulking forward later put the game away with an empty-netter, courtesy of another nifty feed from Malkin, who was one of the game’s most impressive players and finished with two primary assists.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025
  • Both songs appear to be passionate ballads by the two impressive vocalists, with Erivo lending her melodic riff to Dorothy’s iconic line.
    Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • The side’s most striking feature, according to most reports from the time, was therefore their relative lack of brutality.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 5 Oct. 2025
  • This striking turtleneck sweater is a must.
    Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 4 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • While it has thus far been signed by nearly 250 arts organizations and hundreds of individuals, major museums are conspicuous by their absence, with signatures predominately coming from arts centers, associations and regional councils.
    Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2025
  • With one conspicuous exception.
    Ronald Brownstein, Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showy. Accessed 11 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on showy

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