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 flashy His flashiest assists were offset by foolhardy turnovers. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 Neither gravitates toward the flashier aspects of the virtuoso life style. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 Those chasing flashy marketing will be left behind. Lutz Finger, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Strategic workforce management isn’t about slashing headcount for the sake of flashy cost-cutting. Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flashy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flashy
Adjective
  • While some sandals can lean on the casual, informal side, these stylish ones are sophisticated enough for all types of events and occasions.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 8 May 2025
  • And look around any busy city street—you’ll probably notice a stylish woman rocking capri leggings.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • But due to noise from the venue next door, which was playing loud music amid a competing bar, Bruni bailed even after the musicians were assembled on stage.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2025
  • Lamia doesn’t know that Bibi has gone into super-grandma mode after realizing the folly of her abandonment plan, parking herself in loud protestation at the police station.
    Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 16 May 2025
Adjective
  • Wynton Marsalis is looking snazzy in a suit and tie as our Zoom video call gets underway, having just returned from a faculty meeting at The Juilliard School in New York.
    Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 5 May 2025
  • This is followed by a snazzy trine between Venus and Aries and Mars in Leo on May 22, as this synergy evokes a desire for passion, romance and creative expression, while the sun in Gemini’s sextile with Neptune in Aries inspires us to dream big and tap into our intuition.
    Staff Author, People.com, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • While the noisy cicadas are harmless to people and don’t sting or bite, periodical cicadas can be concentrated and very numerous in some spots.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
  • The Frigidaire delivers in many categories, but the shelf adjustments are limited, the fridge was noisier than average, and the temperature was inconsistent, leading to frozen items in the refrigerated section.
    Alice Knisley Matthias, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • Juliet Holy Pointed-Toe Chunky Block Heels Midi dresses and pointed-toe heels are a match made in heaven, as evidenced by Oprah’s fashionable look.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 11 May 2025
  • As the global appeal of Lambrusco has grown, more of Emilia-Romagna’s winemakers have turned their vineyards into fashionable destinations.
    Simon Willis, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • The power numbers haven’t been gaudy for either, but the core infielders are hitting the ball hard.
    Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 3 May 2025
  • But even on the nights where Edwards’ stat lines were less gaudy, his impact remained profound.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 1 May 2025
Adjective
  • The alternative to traditional Medicare promises all the benefits of traditional Medicare in one neat private package.
    Juliette Madrigal, Boston Herald, 12 May 2025
  • In a neat touch, screens simulate a window showing views of the Moon.
    Adam Williams May 11, New Atlas, 11 May 2025
Adjective
  • During the performance, the sky was clear with few clouds, and the ocean breeze kept the temperature pleasantly cool.
    Billboard Brasil, Billboard, 5 May 2025
  • John Boyega's ex-Stormtrooper Finn and Han are brothers from another mother, Oscar Isaac's pilot Poe is as cool and refreshing as a tall glass of blue milk, and Adam Driver's Kylo does his best Vader impression as a maniacal villain with some serious emotional issues.
    Brian Truitt, USA Today, 4 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flashy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flashy. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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