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Definition of flashinessnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flashy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flashy are garish, gaudy, meretricious, and tawdry. While all these words mean "vulgarly or cheaply showy," flashy implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar.

a flashy nightclub act

When can garish be used instead of flashy?

Although the words garish and flashy have much in common, garish describes what is distressingly or offensively bright.

garish neon signs

When is it sensible to use gaudy instead of flashy?

The meanings of gaudy and flashy largely overlap; however, gaudy implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation.

circus performers in gaudy costumes

When might meretricious be a better fit than flashy?

The synonyms meretricious and flashy are sometimes interchangeable, but meretricious stresses falsity and may describe a tawdry show that beckons with a false allure or promise.

a meretricious wasteland of casinos and bars

When would tawdry be a good substitute for flashy?

In some situations, the words tawdry and flashy are roughly equivalent. However, tawdry applies to what is at once gaudy and cheap and sleazy.

tawdry saloons

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 flashiness
Noun
The entertainment rooms can serve as places to enjoy cocktails and billiards (both villas feature Steinway & Sons grand pianos), the dining rooms feel cinematic without being too formal, and the bedroom suites favor comfort rather than flashiness. — David Morris, Travel + Leisure, 15 Jan. 2026 Leopard, cheetah, and even zebra recall an era shaped by the flashiness of Christina Aguilera and Paris Hilton. — Malia Griggs, Glamour, 20 Dec. 2025
Adjective
Still, the competition among jewelers is becoming more intense, not only for sports team’s commissions but also to design ever flashier pieces with intricate details. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 20 Oct. 2026 This means Longchamp can invest quietly and discreetly in the brand, think long term, and avoid stock market or private equity pressure to deliver flashy quarterly results. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for flashiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flashiness
Noun
  • Bachelier’s Havanese portrait may be unrivaled for its aggressive flamboyance, but these sorts of paintings of little pet dogs were by no means an exclusively French phenomenon.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
  • One of wrestling’s first true mainstream celebrities, Gorgeous George became a television sensation whose flamboyance, swagger and mastery of self-promotion famously influenced a young Muhammad Ali.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The space, tucked inside a commercial building in the Tel Aviv suburb of Ramat HaSharon, is conspicuously devoid of ostentation.
    — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The interiors are relatively forgettable, but in a town marked by ostentation, the crowd counts for more than the surroundings.
    — Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The evening was full of glitz and glamour, too, as celebs hit the carpet in incredible designer threads and accessories.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 2026
  • But when there’s an occasion to dress up, Qualley is all about the glam — and the glitz.
    — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • To hear it from Obsession’s visual effects supervisor Peter Timberlake, the scene is more than just violence for the spectacle of violence’s sake.
    — Chris Lee, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The first sporting spectacle to land in the region will be the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
    — Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The cotton canvas jacket offers a very simple silhouette with little to no ornamentation—perfect for a minimalist wardrobe.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2026
  • City train stations were filled with decorative ornamentation, public art and monuments, and other luxurious touches.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • By now, Renate Reinsve is no stranger to the closing-night pomp of the Cannes Film Festival, having won the best actress trophy in 2021 for Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World, her first ever leading role.
    — Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026
  • But for all the pomp and ceremony, China analysts broadly predict the leaders’ personal relationship and policy goals will result in a cautious summit that yields few major deliverables.
    — Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • October decorations and costumes that once cost only a minimal investment have skyrocketed in-season.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The pace of the Sorkinian banter is meaningful beyond its showiness.
    — Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • My feelings about Dudamel as an interpreter have ranged from irritation at his turn-it-up-to-11 showiness to admiration for his ability to make listeners hear music afresh.
    — Justin Davidson, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Flashiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flashiness. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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