showboat 1 of 2

Definition of showboatnext
as in to show off
to engage in attention-getting playful or boisterous behavior the gymnast was showboating for the cameras when she lost her balance and fell

Synonyms & Similar Words

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showboat

2 of 2

noun

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 showboat
Verb
After taking a 3-1 lead in extra time, France began to showboat. Peter Carline, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2026 This year showboats a trio of headliners that represent musical innovation and the contagious spirit of dance. Malik Peay, Essence, 12 June 2025
Noun
Still, the factor that may have been most harmful were his relationships with fellow Republican lawmakers, who regarded him as an empty showboat willing to hurt the party to gain attention. Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 21 Nov. 2024 Fonseca found Barbosa to be a showboat on Instagram, sure, but also unfailingly polite and generous. Lauren Smiley, WIRED, 10 July 2024 See All Example Sentences for showboat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for showboat
Verb
  • The lingering smoke from Canadian wildfires may have kept some away but those in attendance were eager to show off their pets.
    David Sharos, Chicago Tribune, 19 July 2026
  • This chic all-inclusive resort made its debut in 2021, showing off pops of vibrant colors in the modern lobby and room designs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • Flanking the stage were two large neon signs of a cowboy and cowgirl, waving back and forth as if inviting a traveler to come visit for a night.
    Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 16 July 2026
  • Each steak, regardless of the cut, looks like it’s been plucked from the set of a Taylor Sheridan cowboy series, with perfect, even bistre crusts and ruby centers.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • The director planned to film the killing of a live donkey, which would be cut up for food by actors portraying laborers.
    Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026
  • Unusual colorways and short production runs contribute to rarity, and uncut original lengths are prized, since most bolts have been cut up and used.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • Haaland lifted his finger to his ear and looked into the crowd, where Norway fans were going berserk.
    Tim Rohan, NBC news, 23 June 2026
  • Argentina strikes first in the 38th minute, and the massive Argentina faithful goes berserk inside the stadium.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Ortiz navigated past 17 other horses around the final turn and made a hard charge down the stretch.
    Stephen Whyno, The Orlando Sentinel, 3 May 2026
  • Ortiz navigated past 17 other horses around the final turn and made a hard charge down the stretch.
    Stephen Whyno, Chicago Tribune, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • And on Wednesday, here in Atlanta, the Argentines turned a tourist attraction called Underground Atlanta into Underground Argentina, reveling with drums, chants, and dancing after beating England, 2-1, to earn a place in the championship game.
    Patrik Jonsson, Christian Science Monitor, 18 July 2026
  • Walker wore his Cardinals hat backward, chewed a big wad of bubble gum and reveled afterward in flashing his imitation Liberty Bell bling, the champions chain presented by Ryan Howard.
    Dan Gelston, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Another horny couple on vacation couldn’t wait until their flight landed to fool around and insisted on doing so in the plane's cabin.
    Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Zeus did not approve of his daughter fooling around with this mortal roughneck hunter and put out a hit on Orion.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The performers grind and moan as rain pours from above and a wind machine roars.
    Lauren Oyler, New Yorker, 20 July 2026
  • And these systems could help reduce the odds that the 2026 fire season—already off to a roaring start across the country—will produce another Big Burn.
    K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 20 July 2026

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“Showboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showboat. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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