as in ostentation
excessive or unnecessary display
we were somewhat put off by the saber-rattling showiness of the military parade
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 showiness
Rose is another extraordinary showcase for her gifts and a master class in the art of acting with rigor, honesty, physicality and zero showiness.
—
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Garcia’s finest new dishes underscore his talent for complexity that bypasses showiness.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Still, that showiness in dialogue is latched to a shallowness of characterization.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2026
There’s also a kind of garish showiness that the Academy isn’t immune to.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2026
These choices reflect a desire for comfort and authenticity rather than showiness.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026
David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
Garcia’s finest new dishes underscore his talent for complexity that bypasses showiness.
—Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 29 Jan. 2026
Still, that showiness in dialogue is latched to a shallowness of characterization.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 29 Jan. 2026
There’s also a kind of garish showiness that the Academy isn’t immune to.
—Richard Brody, New Yorker, 22 Jan. 2026
These choices reflect a desire for comfort and authenticity rather than showiness.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for showiness
Noun
-
The atmosphere aligns with the philosophy: no ostentation, no grand production.—
Bill Addison,
Los Angeles Times,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The mansion, often considered a monument to Roaring ‘20s ostentation, stretches from the Intracoastal to the Atlantic Ocean.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Not so much for your music as your…not flamboyance, but exuberance, maybe, or whimsy—qualities in vanishingly short supply with our current crop of male pop stars who don’t make backflips a fixture of their live performances.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
6 Mar. 2026
-
Thousands of artists, collectors, curators and gallerists descend on the city, swelling an already vibrant local scene with a global reach into a week of discovery, creative adventure and fashion flamboyance.—
Arts Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The receptionist works behind a period cabinet converted into the sort of desk Philip Marlowe would happily put his feet on and Art Deco ornamentations abound, from the beautiful clocks, to the slightly sinister candlesticks.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Pale, dusty hues enhance natural light, offering a subtle counterpoint to the rich ornamentation, while ceiling paintings by Vicke Andrén, celebrated for his work at the Royal Swedish Opera, underscore the apartment’s artistic importance.—
Mark David,
Robb Report,
23 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The whole thing was a striking visual spectacle, too — waves of musicians rising from both sides, backup singers swaying and clapping, spotlights sweeping across the floor as a roaming camera zipped through the crowd like a drone that had just discovered country music.—
Theoden Janes,
Charlotte Observer,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Indeed, Coachella’s other two headliners, Bad Bunny and Blackpink, put on elaborate main-stage spectacles over the weekend that by most accounts left fans feeling both stimulated and satisfied.—
Vanessa Franko,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Leo's events in Monaco were marked by all the usual protocol and pomp of a papal tour abroad.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
28 Mar. 2026
-
Francis’ choice was in keeping with his simple taste and disdain for the pomp of the papacy.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Seasonal and holiday decorations are especially popular thrift store finds, particularly during the fall and winter months, says Pinto.—
Olivia McIntosh,
Martha Stewart,
4 Apr. 2026
-
Classy baby shower decor Floral decorations are fun and attractive.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
3 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The country icon might be all glitz and glam, but her contribution to the health center goes far beyond an applauding namesake.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
2 Apr. 2026
-
Spanning up to 1,560 square feet, the six Signature Suites are decked out with 19th-century frescoes, gilded salons, marble fireplaces, and tall windows, evoking the glitz and glamor of a bygone era.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The entertainment rooms can serve as places to enjoy cocktails and billiards (both villas feature Steinway & Sons grand pianos), the dining rooms feel cinematic without being too formal, and the bedroom suites favor comfort rather than flashiness.—
David Morris,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Leopard, cheetah, and even zebra recall an era shaped by the flashiness of Christina Aguilera and Paris Hilton.—
Malia Griggs,
Glamour,
20 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Showiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showiness. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
