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 Timbers is never a low-key director, and though this is fluffy material, he is energized by a showy star and riffing on the kinds of tricks he’s done in Here Lies Love and elsewhere. Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 27 Apr. 2025 Weisz has the showy lead role (Kim Stanley, who played the same part decades ago, got an Oscar nomination for her efforts). Brent Lang, Variety, 13 May 2025 Bohemian Rhapsody might have been god-awful, but the role of Freddie Mercury was as singular as it was showy — that of an icon who demanded a place for himself in the spotlight through sheer talent and force of will. Alison Willmore, Vulture, 8 Apr. 2025 LaKeith Stanfield LaKeith Stanfield rocks a showy coat that trails behind him, topping his look off with a wide-brimmed hat, red handkerchief and a cummerbund by Ferragmo plus DIDRIS jewelry. Brendan Le, People.com, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for showy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy
Adjective
  • Similar parents commenting on Diwa's post said the switch made a noticeable difference in their own homes, with several sharing anecdotes of improved moods and calmer transitions to offscreen activities.
    Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • Whereas androgenetic alopecia is characterized by the shrinking of hair follicles, which leads to thin, barely noticeable hair, the key indicators of CCCA are inflammation and damage to the follicles.
    Sierra Leone Starks, Allure, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • The recent endorsement of Sliwa by prominent Jewish leader Dov Hikind has only solidified their certainty that the Orthodox voting bloc will put him over the top.
    Ken Frydman, New York Daily News, 30 June 2025
  • Julie Mehretu, one of the most prominent contemporary artists in the world.
    Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Adjective
  • In this passionate Fire sign, the messenger planet speaks with confidence, courage and a dramatic flair.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • Males are slightly smaller than females and are known for dramatic courtship displays involving rapid wing beats and vocal trills.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Five minutes later, an own goal by Inter Miami defender Tomas Aviles, who was subbed into the match in the 19th minute, gave PSG a commanding 3-0 lead.
    Wayne Sterling, CNN Money, 29 June 2025
  • The Democratic Socialist state Assembly member defied expectations and took a commanding lead in Tuesday's New York City mayoral primary.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 26 June 2025
Adjective
  • OpenAI alone reports that its annual recurring revenue is expected to reach $12.5 billion in 2025, which is a remarkable growth rate for a 10-year-old startup.
    R. Scott Raynovich, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
  • What's especially remarkable is that the system can recreate the user's own voice, thanks to a voice cloning algorithm trained on recordings made before the onset of ALS.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
Adjective
  • Bailey flashed a sweet jumper and impressive athleticism but struggled with his shot selection and had more turnovers than assists.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 26 June 2025
  • The power couple were famously photographed riding a water-taxi ahead of their nuptials, which included an impressive guest list of A-list celebrities.
    Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 25 June 2025
Adjective
  • In some photos, Lauren could be seen sporting a wedding ring, sans her striking engagement ring.
    Janelle Ash , Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 28 June 2025
  • Fans backed Asuka during a striking battle, which ended with a stiff backhand from Asuka punctuated by a Codebreaker.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • The neighborhoods with the most billboards — and the most conspicuous billboards — include Pacific Beach, several stretches of El Cajon Boulevard and the Midway District near the city’s sports arena.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 June 2025
  • And so the quiet in that clubhouse Thursday night, as players sat expressionless at their lockers, looking down at their phones, felt all the more conspicuous.
    Tim Britton, New York Times, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showy. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

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