Synonyms of showy
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.
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.
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.
Thesaurus Entries Near showy
Cite this Entry
“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showy. Accessed 3 Jun. 2023.
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