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 showy The Whispurr series has extra-large, showy flowers that look stunning when planted in mass plantings. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 26 Aug. 2025 Those who can’t stand Lee’s showy indulgences should note that Passing Strange, one of his best films of the new century, is among his least intrusive. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025 Having hosted many tournaments, becoming a hub for Associate cricket in South-East Asia, neighboring Malaysia are keen to get in on any possible BBL expansion although the country does not boast the type of showy stadium for cricket like in Kallang. Tristan Lavalette, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Zinnias also attract butterflies with its showy flowers. Clarence Schmidt, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for showy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy
Adjective
  • After a noticeable drop in school attendance due to SEPTA cuts in the first week of the new school year, the city directed a portion of its $135 million transit subsidy to restore bus and trolley service on routes that are heavily used by students.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • The ears of a young ram are more noticeable than those of an old ram, whose ears are largely concealed by the massive horns.
    Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Kirk, a prominent voice in culture wars on college campuses, hosts a daily radio show and podcast, The Charlie Kirk Show, which ranks among the top 10 on Apple News’ list of top podcasts and has a strong Gen Z fan base.
    Zachary Folk, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • On Tuesday night, the Nepali army deployed troops to restore order after prominent government buildings were set on fire, politicians were attacked and violent clashes erupted between protesters and government forces.
    Juliana Kim, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Her efforts saved the animal’s life and landed her in her hometown newspaper, The Mountain Eagle, which was the first to write about the dramatic rescue and resuscitation.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
  • The increase widens a stark property tax gap between Idaho’s two largest school districts — Boise and West Ada — and illustrates dramatic policy differences between the adjoining Treasure Valley districts.
    Kevin Richert, Idaho Statesman, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • For cruising around town while keeping tabs on the surrounding potholes, traffic and pedestrians, however, many cyclists prefer the more commanding, upright, back-friendly stance offered by a flat handlebar.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025
  • As one of the world’s largest tech giants, Google’s position in the space is a commanding one, though competition from the likes of Meta, OpenAI and others is fierce.
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The zoo said parthenogenesis has only been documented in a handful of reptile species worldwide, making this birth even more remarkable.
    Saleen Martin, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • And yet in restructuring Patagonia to ensure that its profits are used to protect wild lands, Chouinard accomplished something remarkable, turning a for-profit corporation with $1 billion in annual sales into one of the biggest environmental philanthropies in the country.
    David Gelles, Time, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Yet last week’s warning from Jet2, a business respected for its cost control and excellent customer service, has served as a reminder that, for all the impressive growth of recent years, this remains a volatile and sometimes unpredictable sector.
    Ian King, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025
  • This ambitious tour spans multiple continents, covering several countries and cities with an impressive run of dates.
    Jenzia Burgos, StyleCaster, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • In the most striking example, DOGE instructed Dudek to cancel two contracts that the SSA had with the state of Maine, according to Dudek and other SSA officials.
    Eli Hager, ProPublica, 8 Sep. 2025
  • With Saturn nearing its brightest, biggest and best for 2025, expect a striking pairing in the east that will be worth getting outside for.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Elon Musk was conspicuous by his absence.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Instead of directly addressing the naysayers, Rutledge acknowledged taking a less conspicuous approach.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showy. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.

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