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

The 18-year-old followed that up with a showy performance at the World Championship and might be the most NHL-ready player in this draft. — Eric Stephens, New York Times, 24 June 2026

For such a showy animal, its flavor is surprisingly delicate, devoid of any fishiness in a way that reminds me of flounder. — Rachel Nuwer, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026