Thesaurus results for SHOWBOAT

showboat 1 of 2

verb

Definition of showboat

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

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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 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

Stephanie Weeks, a Black actress and director who is a frequent Target Margin collaborator, wears one of these WHITE sashes as Julie, the showboat’s leading lady, as does Edwin Joseph, playing her husband and co-star, Steve. — Helen Shaw, The New Yorker, 21 Jan. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for showboat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for showboat

Verb

Imagine showing off that feature to your golf buddies after a round.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026
According to The Daily Mail, the former Suits star hasn’t been seen showing off the ring for nearly nine months.

— Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of show off

Noun

Once a staple among cowboys and railroad workers, the Lee 101 became a symbol of youth rebellion in the 1950s, when James Dean popularized the jeans and helped solidify their association with biker culture.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026
In the late aughts, the futuristic cowboys of Mexico’s tribal guarachero boom launched superstars like 3BallMTY and Erick Rincón, laying the percussive foundation for Colombia’s guaracha takeover of the following decade and breakouts like Fumaratto.

— Richard Villegas, Rolling Stone, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of cowboy

Verb

Cityside, guests can head to the thumping heart of Austin nightlife where the Live Music Capital of the World always has a new favorite act and dance floor to cut up waiting just around the corner.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
In July, the Public Service Commission requested utilities submit plans to cut up to 45% of savings from the program.

— Tom Nyein, Baltimore Sun, 3 Oct. 2026

Definition of cut up

Verb

Also, don’t get too out of control horsing around with friends in the water.

— John Natale, Hartford Courant, 16 Aug. 2026
According to McGrady, the only royal who didn’t enjoy the time away in the Highlands was the late Princess Diana, who didn’t fit in with the family’s outdoorsy vibes and didn’t enjoy riding horses around the property due to a fall as a child.

— Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of horse around

Verb

As Marshall and Alice consider one another and then start to fool around, the sequence feels organic and dangerous without being forced.

— Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of fool around

Verb

David Pastrnak scored a tying power-play goal and Frederic Brunet got his first NHL goal for the Bruins, who roared back from an early two-goal deficit and improved to 6-2-0.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026
Marsh knew it, putting his hands on his helmet as the crowd roared and the stadium fireworks went off.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of roar

Browse Nearby Words

showbiz

showboat

showboated

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Showboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showboat. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of showboat

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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