showiness 1 of 2

Definition of showinessnext

showy

2 of 2

adjective

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

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
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
Noah is really careful about not having any performances in the show, like with showy moments. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026 The heated in-ground pool and bluestone patio in the backyard sit naturally within the space, and the overall effect is more understated than showy. Miriam Schwartz, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for showiness
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
Adjective
  • Nigel Hughes, who tracks housing markets across the country, says there has already been a noticeable shift.
    Brad Hamilton, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • But political observers say many Georgia taxpayers could see a noticeable reduction in taxes in the years ahead.
    David Wickert, AJC.com, 7 Apr. 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
Adjective
  • Take, for example, Wiseman's words on one of Orientale's prominent features.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2026
  • George Welsh’s father, James, was a prominent and wealthy real estate magnate in Kansas City.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 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
Adjective
  • Raman had a commanding lead in a field of five major candidates, with 33% of voters supporting her, while Bass trailed at 17%, according to the poll by the Loyola Marymount University Center for the Study of Los Angeles.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 31 Mar. 2026
  • At 132 feet, the 40P is larger and more commanding, offering additional space and slightly flashier features.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 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
Adjective
  • The look is darker, more dramatic.
    Connie Ogle April 9, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Since then, the game has experienced dramatic growth .
    Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026

Cite this Entry

“Showiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showiness. Accessed 9 Apr. 2026.

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