SHOWINESS Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

showiness

noun

Definition of showiness

as in ostentation

excessive or unnecessary display we were somewhat put off by the saber-rattling showiness of the military parade

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for showiness

Noun

The packaging and philosophy emphasize sustainability and collectibility without ostentation, aligning with a growing desire for thoughtful luxury.

— Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
While Vico has been careful to avoid any kind of ostentation, Argentaia offers a spa, a tennis court, a stunning 100-foot saltwater infinity pool overlooking the valley, and a movie theater.

— Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 22 May 2026

Definition of ostentation

Noun

Emma’s resistance to the bland wholesomeness of recovery spaces speaks to a familiar cultural trope across media, in films and television shows; that sobriety is where flamboyance goes to die.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Since then, flamboyances of flamingos—the collective noun for the birds—have competed with oranges to symbolize the state.

— Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 July 2026

Definition of flamboyance

Noun

Master model designer Milan Madge incorporated metallic gold elements and raised textures to capture the original's rich ornamentation and depth.

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Other examples of ornamentation include the scalloped crown molding in the entry hall and colorful tiling on risers of steps down to the south side of the house.

— Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026

Definition of ornamentation

Noun

Euromonitor forecasts that the global eyewear industry (including contact lenses, spectacles, and sunglasses) will be worth $171 billion in 2026, up 4% in current terms.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 July 2026
The ongoing World Cup has made for a spectacle simply not seen elsewhere — maybe not even in Argentina.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of spectacle

Noun

This is a charming center-of-town property with tons of old-school pomp.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
In a tunnel as both teams prepared to take the pitch for the pomp of the two national anthems, out of view of the crowd, Norwegian star Erling Haaland was hugging or dapping his opponents.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026

Definition of pomp

Noun

Around the space are Chicago Fire decorations, sign-up sheets, contests and team merch for sale.

— Becky Sullivan, NPR, 19 July 2026
This breakfast recipe is deliciously easy—a quick stir-together batter, a simple edible decoration, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

— Josh Miller, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Definition of decoration

Noun

Barbados, then, despite its surface glitz and historic glamour, is attracting a broader crowd than ever.

— Jonnie Bayfield, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 July 2026
Stewart’s sandals stand out thanks to their shimmery straps, and this pair from Clarks features metallic leather with just as much glitz.

— Genevieve Cepeda, InStyle, 18 July 2026

Definition of glitz

Noun

Originally opened in 1979 and rebranded as the Cromwell in 2014, this hot spot provided the privacy and space needed to isolate cast and crew from the public while still delivering all the flashiness and drama expected from the show.

— Allison DeGrushe, Entertainment Weekly, 2 June 2026
Like many early 2000s trends now making a comeback (think wedge sandals and low-rise pants), the halter top has shed much of the overt flashiness that once defined it.

— Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 30 May 2026

Definition of flashiness

Browse Nearby Words

showery

showiness

showing

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“Showiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showiness. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of showiness

noun

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