SHOWY Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

showy

adjective

ˈshō-ē

Definition of showy

as in noticeable

likely to attract attention orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 showy This is the logo-less—but twice as expensive—handbag next to a showy LV one. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026 Garfield’s is the showier performance but Yura Borisov‘s depiction as a man slowly realizing how he’s been had is Richard-Gere-at-the-end-of-Primal-Fear-level stuff. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for showy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy

Adjective

In most Alzheimer’s patients, a noticeable atrophy develops over the course of only a few months of disease progression.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
Still, the difference is less noticeable on a smaller screen.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of noticeable

Adjective

One of India's oldest and most prominent industry bodies, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, last week asked the government appealing to abolish the tax.

— Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2026
The Vancouver Canucks’ Jake DeBrusk, the Pittsburgh Penguins’ Rickard Rakell and the Columbus Blue Jackets’ Dmitri Voronkov are among his most prominent wingers available, but the possibilities needn’t be limited to that list.

— Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of prominent

Adjective

Also contributing to losses were the commanding Democratic victories across the country in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

— Steve Kopack, NBC news, 5 Nov. 2026
As a young teenager, I was immediately captivated by his commanding presence and charisma portraying King Leodegrance of Cameliard — Queen Guinevere’s noble father and a cunning warrior.

— Jeff Spry, Space.com, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of commanding

Adjective

His elite outfield coverage included converting a remarkable 50% of five-star catch opportunities.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 2 Nov. 2026
Centered in large part around the Warsaw Ghetto, the novel brought to life the daily struggles, fears, and remarkable courage of Jewish families living under unimaginable conditions.

— Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of remarkable

Adjective

The hotel’s connections with local neighbors is also particularly impressive (no mean feat for newcomers in Kyoto) with The Shinmonzen’s friends ranging from local bento box makers who deliver by bicycle to generations-old antique shop owners.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Nov. 2026
Northeast of Thule's Malmö headquarters in the greater Stockholm metro, Dometic has largely focused in on inflatable RTT design, going so far as to integrate an air tent into a rather impressive Jeep Wrangler pop-top concept.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026

Definition of impressive

Adjective

Black wedding dresses are a striking alternative for brides who want something unexpected and aren’t afraid to break with tradition.

— Corinne Pierre-Louis, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026
Bleached blonde eyebrows framed West’s eyes, which were a striking blue for the night instead of her natural brown, thanks to contact lenses that were reminiscent of Kanye West’s look at the 2016 Met Gala.

— Arushi Jacob, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of striking

Adjective

However, eruptions and lava flows have been conspicuous by their absence.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Headscarves are less conspicuous among women in these fashionable neighborhoods, despite compulsory hijab rules introduced after the revolution established clerical rule.

— CBS News, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of conspicuous

Browse Nearby Words

show up (for)

showy

shrank

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“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showy. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of showy

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