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

The modern version is far more sumptuous than the hard-wearing trousers of our youth—an everyman’s velvet, rich but rarely showy.

— John Vorwald, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026
This is the logo-less—but twice as expensive—handbag next to a showy LV one.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of showy

Adjective

Their move across the Atlantic was intended to be temporary, after Osinski landed the role of the flamboyant footballer Zava in Ted Lasso and spent months filming in Richmond.

— Amira Hashish, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026
The same is true of the various actors who pop up as guest stars, but will surely recur going forward, including the hilariously folksy Haley, a flamboyant and threatening Morton and more.

— Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of flamboyant

Adjective

When the White Sox clinched their first playoff berth since 2021 with a blowout of the Kansas City Royals, Fletcher was holding the microphone in an exuberant locker room.

— Don Riddell, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026
In northern and western India the festival is marked by exuberant performances of Ramlila, a dramatic folk reenactment of the Ramayana.

— Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of exuberant

Adjective

Sleek and extravagant, Rosewood Abu Dhabi provides a dramatic welcome, with architecture that calls to mind an undulating desert.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Known for its dark humor and groundbreaking CGI, Death Becomes Her astounds with ornate design detail and extravagant furnishings.

— Kelly Allen, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of extravagant

Adjective

Even in a nation known for ostentatious displays of baseball obsession, the ensuing theatrics went viral.

— Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
The structures, made of raw concrete, exuded an ostentatious form of modesty, emblematic of the town’s character.

— Afra Wang, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of ostentatious

Adjective

In this seduction, in a text that manages to be both grandiose and intimate, Rice works the mysterious alchemy of creating permanence.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
The prosecution said Bakker had diverted millions of dollars to pay for his and Tammy Faye’s grandiose lifestyle.

— Tim Funk, Charlotte Observer, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of grandiose

Adjective

The elegant and spacious suites feature terraces with sun loungers and panoramic ocean views.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
Working with the local firm Dvira Interiors, the owners turned the 12,000-square-foot residence into an elegant home that takes advantage of refined touches like ornate decorative moldings and brushed bronze and satin gold fixtures.

— Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of elegant

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 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of frilly

adjective

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