FRILLY Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

frilly

adjective

Definition of frilly

as in showy

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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 frilly Ava Max steps out in the New York City neighborhood of East Village on July 17, in a quirky look of an oversized hat an frilly shirt. — People Staff, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 This frilly stripe and solid one-piece is almost too pretty to get wet. — Jessica Benavides Canepa, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026 Interestingly, her bandmate Tzuyu’s frilly bloomers with garter-type ties did not fan flames on social media. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 Plant species with contrasting textures, such as frilly ferns with the large, bold leaves of hosta. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026 From sequins and white tees (yes, really) to frilly lace and pants, there are plenty of ways to style the naked dress. — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 14 June 2026 The analog girl in a digital world took the stage on Sunday evening to close out the festival wearing what looked like a mushroom cap on her head, accented by a frilly, droopy outfit that looked like it was designed by psilocybin. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 1 June 2026 My clothes, a mountain range of frilly skirts, dark jeans, and long-sleeve dresses on my bedroom floor. — Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 Blooming over a long season, the fragrant, frilly blooms draw Gulf Fritillary and other butterfly species to the garden. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frilly

Adjective

Explanations as to why he was fired have varied widely from the defense minister allegedly being too corrupt, not corrupt enough, too combative with army leadership, too showy, too popular, and too in the clouds on military matters.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026
Hydrangeas are one of the most popular perennials thanks to their showy flowers and interesting foliage.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 15 July 2026

Definition of showy

Adjective

Posters for Goodyear Tires and the 1939 Foire de Paris retail expo flank the flamboyant shoe.

— Douglas Markowitz, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
At the level of style, there was nothing obviously flamboyant about Allen’s music, nor her presence on stage, the quiet, acerbic composure of her delivery.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026

Definition of flamboyant

Adjective

Like Hanke, Dimon has been saying for months that markets may be a bit too exuberant.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 15 July 2026
Litchfield’s most exuberant inmate, Taystee is deeply impacted by the death of her best friend, Poussey, who was being restrained incorrectly by a prison guard.

— Gwen Ihnat, Entertainment Weekly, 11 July 2026

Definition of exuberant

Adjective

The average song would be a couple of minutes, and four would seem like an extravagant jam.

— Brian Howe, Pitchfork, 21 July 2026
Meteorite from Sebastián Múnera follows two young women on a journey through an extravagant amusement park built on the estate of the late drug lord Pablo Escobar.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026

Definition of extravagant

Adjective

Kainerugaba’s associates describe him as a dedicated military officer who often eschews ostentatious displays of wealth.

— Rodney Muhumuza, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026
Decorated with cool gray tones, marble and leather accents, and crisp white bedding, the rooms feel upscale but not ostentatious.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026

Definition of ostentatious

Adjective

The traditional Marxist framework may explain why Flaubert, the conflicted son of a successful provincial surgeon, wrote naturalistic novels mocking the grandiose aspirations of the rural bourgeoisie, Sartre conceded.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 21 July 2026
And Keith could be placed into a grandiose presidential suite for the duration at a nearby casino.

— Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 17 July 2026

Definition of grandiose

Browse Nearby Words

frills

frilly

fringe

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“Frilly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frilly. Accessed 24 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of frilly

adjective

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