Synonyms of showy

showy

adjective

ˈshō-ē 

as in noticeable

likely to attract attention

orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

• noticeable
• prominent
• dramatic
• commanding
• remarkable
• impressive
• striking
• conspicuous
• marked
• flamboyant
• brilliant
• pronounced
• emphatic
• noisy
• interesting
• bold
• outstanding
• splashy
• loud
• arresting
• eye-catching
• visible
• catchy
• distinguished
• notable
• grabby
• recognizable
• bodacious
• noteworthy
• ornate
• kenspeckle
• gaudy
• discernible
• salient
• glaring
• extravagant
• flashy
• discernable
• perceptible
• detectable
• highlighted
• fancy
• observable
• garish
• spectacular
• glitzy
• ostentatious
• tawdry
• eminent
• meretricious
• swanky
• flagrant
• fascinating
• pretentious
• jazzy
• swank
• opulent
• screaming
• overwrought
• florid
• riveting
• enthralling
• engrossing
• hifalutin
• 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 showy

Although there are more types of marigolds to explore, most common marigolds fall into one of three categories: African or Mexican marigolds are large plants that produce big, showy blooms that are often used in bouquets. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Apr. 2025

Just by advancing this peace plan for Gaza, Egypt has salvaged the Palestinian aspiration for statehood from Trump’s desire to conjure a showy real estate development deal. —Lisa Anderson, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2025

Matching the evening mood, the prose isn’t as showy as in previous Hollinghurst works. —Sam Worley, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2024

First class on the Qantas Airbus A380 is a showy affair, equipped with high-end champagne and meals, fancy amenity kits, and doting service. —Chris Dong, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2025