Definition of showynext

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 Noah is really careful about not having any performances in the show, like with showy moments. Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 30 Mar. 2026 The heated in-ground pool and bluestone patio in the backyard sit naturally within the space, and the overall effect is more understated than showy. Miriam Schwartz, Hartford Courant, 29 Mar. 2026 From a showy frittata to simple roasted asparagus, these dishes range from weeknight-friendly to dinner-party-ready—many of them can go both ways. Zoe Denenberg, Bon Appetit Magazine, 29 Mar. 2026 They were modified, reproduced, and outfitted in showy décor, becoming a key way of getting around for working-class Filipinos. ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for showy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy
Adjective
  • Nigel Hughes, who tracks housing markets across the country, says there has already been a noticeable shift.
    Brad Hamilton, CBS News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • But political observers say many Georgia taxpayers could see a noticeable reduction in taxes in the years ahead.
    David Wickert, AJC.com, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Take, for example, Wiseman's words on one of Orientale's prominent features.
    Mike Wall, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2026
  • George Welsh’s father, James, was a prominent and wealthy real estate magnate in Kansas City.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Raman had a commanding lead in a field of five major candidates, with 33% of voters supporting her, while Bass trailed at 17%.
    Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026
  • At 132 feet, the 40P is larger and more commanding, offering additional space and slightly flashier features.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The look is darker, more dramatic.
    Connie Ogle April 9, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2026
  • Since then, the game has experienced dramatic growth .
    Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 8 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • More remarkable is his ability to convince skittish engineers, investors, and a tech-skeptical public that their priorities, even when mutually exclusive, are also his priorities.
    Ronan Farrow, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
  • There’s also no denying that finishing with a point per game or better in 21 consecutive NHL seasons is a remarkable achievement.
    Josh Yohe, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Launching a plane into space and then landing it on a runway with all the crew remaining in there still feels technologically impressive.
    Letters to the Editor, Washington Post, 7 Apr. 2026
  • That’s impressive production for the 6-foot-2, 234-pound defender.
    Mike Kaye April 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • For those who know the play well, some of Mantello’s choices are most striking, especially the horror here of the famous hotel-room scene with a tawdry lover (brutally played by Katherine Romans), an act born of loneliness that destroys a father’s relationship with his son forever.
    Chris Jones, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Get lost among the pines and palmettos of an ancient maritime forest at Hunting Island State Park, catch a striking sunset over the Beaufort River, and marvel at the columns and sweeping porches of stately mansions on Historic Craven Street.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This could be because the economic violence that targets civilians is less conspicuous than the violence of armed conflict.
    Mark Weisbrot, Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2026
  • His purge of senior officers who are Black or female has been conspicuous.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showy. Accessed 13 Apr. 2026.

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