Synonyms of showiness

showiness 1 of 2

noun

as in ostentation

excessive or unnecessary display

we were somewhat put off by the saber-rattling showiness of the military parade

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ostentation
• flamboyance
• ornamentation
• spectacle
• pomp
• decoration
• glitz
• flashiness
• luxuriance
• gaudiness
• garishness
• ostentatiousness
• pretentiousness
• luxuriousness
• swank
• adornment
• flash
• fanfare
• dressing
• pretense
• parade
• pageantry
• show
• dazzle
• extravagance
• opulence
• richness
• mummery
• pageant
• trimming
• extravaganza
• magnificence
• éclat
• sumptuousness
• embellishment
• razzmatazz
• razzle-dazzle
• garnishment
• vulgarity
• fanciness
• foofaraw
• tawdriness
• luridness
• meretriciousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• severity
• restraint
• plainness
• simplicity
• modesty
• austerity
• moderation
• elegance
• understatement
• conservativeness
• gracefulness
• minimalism
• tastefulness

showy

2 of 2

adjective

ˈshō-ē 

as in noticeable

likely to attract attention

orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• noticeable
• prominent
• commanding
• dramatic
• remarkable
• impressive
• striking
• conspicuous
• marked
• flamboyant
• brilliant
• pronounced
• emphatic
• noisy
• interesting
• bold
• outstanding
• splashy
• loud
• eye-catching
• arresting
• visible
• catchy
• distinguished
• notable
• grabby
• recognizable
• bodacious
• noteworthy
• kenspeckle
• ornate
• gaudy
• discernible
• salient
• extravagant
• glaring
• flashy
• perceptible
• detectable
• highlighted
• fancy
• observable
• garish
• glitzy
• spectacular
• ostentatious
• tawdry
• eminent
• meretricious
• flagrant
• fascinating
• pretentious
• jazzy
• swank
• opulent
• screaming
• overwrought
• florid
• riveting
• enthralling
• engrossing
• absorbing
• glittery
• spotlighted
• overdone
• howling
• highfalutin

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• inconspicuous
• subtle
• unobtrusive
• unremarkable
• unnoticeable
• hidden
• obscure
• unshowy
• unemphatic
• concealed
• faint
• unimportant
• insignificant
• dim
• modest
• undistinguished
• shrouded
• unflamboyant
• simple
• unassuming
• plain
• unpretentious
• conservative
• quiet
• understated
• unaffected
• subdued
• restrained
• muted
• unflashy
• toned-down

Synonym Chooser

How is the word showy different from other adjectives like it?

The words ostentatious and pretentious are common synonyms of showy. While all three words mean "given to excessive outward display," showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste.

the performers' showy costumes

When might ostentatious be a better fit than showy?

In some situations, the words ostentatious and showy are roughly equivalent. However, ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade.

the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

When can pretentious be used instead of showy?

The synonyms pretentious and showy are sometimes interchangeable, but pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing.

a pretentious parade of hard words

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of showiness

Noun

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

Adjective

Although the camerawork isn’t as noticeably showy this time around, Best Cinematography winner Hoyte van Hoytema‘s stature as the first person to shoot an entire film on IMAX 70mm will score a lot of points among his peers. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

And, like Maverick, Hegseth disdains rules against showy flyovers. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026