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

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

Adjective

While the punk rock scene that spawned them was about overthrowing the bloated rock royalty of the ‘60s and mid-‘70s, punk was still showy and flamboyant; Joy Division were nothing of the sort. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026

Although garden mums are considered hardy to Zone 5, breeders have developed fall mums with big mounds of showy flowers that may not be as cold-hardy as in the past. — Lynn Coulter, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2026