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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in noticeable
likely to attract attention
orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of showiness
Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2025
Weisz has the showy lead role (Kim Stanley, who played the same part decades ago, got an Oscar nomination for her efforts).
—Brent Lang, Variety, 13 May 2025
Bohemian Rhapsody might have been god-awful, but the role of Freddie Mercury was as singular as it was showy — that of an icon who demanded a place for himself in the spotlight through sheer talent and force of will.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
LaKeith Stanfield LaKeith Stanfield rocks a showy coat that trails behind him, topping his look off with a wide-brimmed hat, red handkerchief and a cummerbund by Ferragmo plus DIDRIS jewelry.
—Brendan Le, People.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for showiness
Adjective
Timbers is never a low-key director, and though this is fluffy material, he is energized by a showy star and riffing on the kinds of tricks he’s done in Here Lies Love and elsewhere.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2025
Weisz has the showy lead role (Kim Stanley, who played the same part decades ago, got an Oscar nomination for her efforts).
—Brent Lang, Variety, 13 May 2025
Bohemian Rhapsody might have been god-awful, but the role of Freddie Mercury was as singular as it was showy — that of an icon who demanded a place for himself in the spotlight through sheer talent and force of will.
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025
LaKeith Stanfield LaKeith Stanfield rocks a showy coat that trails behind him, topping his look off with a wide-brimmed hat, red handkerchief and a cummerbund by Ferragmo plus DIDRIS jewelry.
—Brendan Le, People.com, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for showiness
Recent Examples of Synonyms for showiness
Noun
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As high heels become less of a requisite in certain arenas, the Cannes red carpet — whose ostentation is rivaled only by the Met Gala or the Oscars — is something of a final frontier.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
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The pink-and-brown mansion, often considered a monument to Roaring 20s ostentation, stretches from Lake Worth to the Atlantic Ocean and contains 58 bedrooms, 33 bathrooms, three bomb shelters, a theater, a ballroom and a nine-hole golf course.—
Miami Herasld Archives,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2025
Adjective
-
Whereas androgenetic alopecia is characterized by the shrinking of hair follicles, which leads to thin, barely noticeable hair, the key indicators of CCCA are inflammation and damage to the follicles.—
Sierra Leone Starks,
Allure,
24 June 2025
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Similar parents commenting on Diwa's post said the switch made a noticeable difference in their own homes, with several sharing anecdotes of improved moods and calmer transitions to offscreen activities.—
Melissa Fleur Afshar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
24 June 2025
Noun
-
In a sport reputed for its flamboyance, Malinin speaks the non-verbal language of charisma.—
Marcus Thompson II,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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Their taboo-breaking flamboyance — including playful moments on stage, sometimes even kissing each other on screen as a symbol of their camaraderie — adds a theatrical flair to their shows that captivates.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
The recent endorsement of Sliwa by prominent Jewish leader Dov Hikind has only solidified their certainty that the Orthodox voting bloc will put him over the top.—
Ken Frydman,
New York Daily News,
30 June 2025
-
Julie Mehretu, one of the most prominent contemporary artists in the world.—
Chadd Scott,
Forbes.com,
30 June 2025
Noun
-
Their handbags would be architectural in shape, sleek and spare of overwrought ornamentation.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
17 June 2025
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The Raw Edition from Copenhagen Distillery is a clear statement of intent, avoiding ornamentation and putting instead process and material at the forefront.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
Adjective
-
Males are slightly smaller than females and are known for dramatic courtship displays involving rapid wing beats and vocal trills.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
28 June 2025
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Most economists think May’s figures signal a dramatic downshift to come.—
Irina Ivanova,
Fortune,
28 June 2025
Noun
-
Star Spangled Symphony in the Rockies Colorado Springs is famed for its annual Fourth of July spectacle with the city's Star Spangled Symphony.—
Everett Potter,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
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The sequel promises to deliver bigger spectacle and higher stakes.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
30 June 2025
Adjective
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Despite its commanding presence, the Navigator doesn’t drive like a tank.—
Victoria Uwumarogie,
Essence,
17 June 2025
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The 1794 doesn’t have what was expected, a commanding road presence.—
James Raia,
Mercury News,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Showiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showiness. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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