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 From feathery clutches to frilly brooches, fashion week guests are using the playful texture to give their looks an unexpected pop. — Amanda Le, InStyle, 10 Sep. 2026 The company does, though, sell a scarf called Tulipomanie, covered in frilly blooms of an exquisiteness that seems to rebut the charge of excess hype with a wink. — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2026 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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frilly

Adjective

Although garden mums are considered hardy to Zone 5, breeders have developed fall mums with big mounds of showy flowers that may not be as cold-hardy as in the past.

— Lynn Coulter, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2026
Alliums Many people are surprised to find out that our good old culinary onion (Allium cepa) has a tremendous number of very showy cousins that are grown as ornamental bulbs.

— Paul Cappeillo, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of showy

Adjective

The sports-and-culture pundits of Los Angeles and New York marveled with shock and puzzlement at how such a flamboyant character could be so embraced by the hardscrabble, blue-collar, industrial Midwestern fanbase of the Bulls.

— Will Kamin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026
Andreas brings him to a rich guy’s place, where Luca catches the eye of a flamboyant coke-snorting crossdresser whose affect radiates malevolence.

— Jay Weissberg, Variety, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of flamboyant

Adjective

Admirers say his exuberant, body-conscious costumes will continue to shape pop culture and performance style for generations.

— Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Bob Mackie, the legendary fashion designer whose exuberant style defined Hollywood glamour for decades, died Monday.

— CBS News, CBS News, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of exuberant

Adjective

Whereas Putin takes extravagant risks on the international stage but is loath to hold his associates accountable for incompetence, Xi is just the opposite.

— Jonathan A. Czin, The Atlantic, 14 Sep. 2026
Bob Mackie, the designer whose glittering, extravagant creations helped define the look of some of the 20th century’s biggest stars, has died at 87.

— Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of extravagant

Adjective

None of this is that serious, but the truth is, Rams haters existed even before this ostentatious offseason.

— Michael Silver, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026
Every material has been selected to age gracefully, while subtle craftsmanship and tactile finishes ensure that interiors are refined without ever feeling ostentatious.

— Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of ostentatious

Adjective

The spit of land just east of Brighton Beach is known for the grandiose creations that compete with the Mill Basin mansions nearby.

— Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 15 Sep. 2026
Sometimes sweaty, sometimes sneering, often grandiose, and always conflicted, this Hansen presents the actor with a marvelous opportunity to demonstrate his stupefying range.

— Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of grandiose

Adjective

Scrap what isn’t working—the overwrought schedule, the good habits gone bad.

— USA TODAY, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026
Affleck’s attempt to bind these three narratives into some grand conclusion, or lesson, about the state of being alive in the world is muddled and overwrought, full of clunky poetry that seems to think abstraction and repetition are keys to meaning.

— Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of overwrought

Adjective

The menu is helmed by Tyler Heckman, a Connecticut native who cut his teeth in New York, and is elegant and thoughtfully sourced but approachable.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
Related Articles All over the bodice, but most certainly the skirt of the dress, flouncy, delicate feathers were featured in abundance, giving the overall design a distinctly textural and playful feel that was still refined and elegant.

— Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of elegant

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frills

frilly

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“Frilly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frilly. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of frilly

adjective

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