SHOWY Synonyms: 101 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

showy

adjective

ˈshō-ē

Definition of showy

as in noticeable

likely to attract attention orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Flowering non-stop summer-through fall in showy combinations of yellow, orange, and red, blanket flower provides a good source of nectar to native bees and butterflies, while the small seeds are eaten by finches. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 The showy, low-maintenance shrub is resistant to pests and diseases and thrives in partial sun to partial shade. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 29 June 2026 Hibiscus plants add tropical flair to summer gardens with their large, showy flowers and glossy green foliage. — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 June 2026 The 18-year-old followed that up with a showy performance at the World Championship and might be the most NHL-ready player in this draft. — Eric Stephens, New York Times, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for showy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy

Adjective

Despite the lower amount of Texas wheat, consumers shouldn’t see a noticeable price increase for items containing wheat at the grocery store.

— Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 July 2026
Given the less noticeable crease, improved usability, upgraded battery chemistry, a quicker, more efficient processor, and dramatically more effective Cover Display software, the Z Flip 8 has a lot going for it.

— Florence Ion, PC Magazine, 26 July 2026

Definition of noticeable

Adjective

Though Wasserman hasn’t been charged with any crime, the exchanges took place before Maxwell had been charged with any wrongdoing, and the LA28 board backed Wasserman, the entertainment mogul sold his agency after several prominent artists fled.

— Barry Svrluga, New York Times, 24 July 2026
The group released its debut, Blood, Sweat and No Tears, in 1989 and, through constant touring, became one of the most prominent and visible New York hardcore bands.

— Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026

Definition of prominent

Adjective

The Mariners now sit a game and a half behind the Rangers, who have more of a commanding lead of the American League West.

— Cal Phillips Updated July 24, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026
Edwards, who had been the commanding officer of HSC-5 since July 2025, was posthumously promoted to captain, the Navy said in a statement.

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 9 July 2026

Definition of commanding

Adjective

Initially drawing inspiration from illustrators like Bob Peak and Bernie Fuchs, with their colorful shape designs and eye-catching compositions, Sienkiewicz got into comics by incorporating the dramatic realism of artist Neal Adams.

— Rob Salkowitz, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Arrest was staged for dramatic effect, suit claims The events of that summer night in June 2025 still flash daily in Dillon’s mind.

— Emma Tucker, CNN Money, 25 July 2026

Definition of dramatic

Adjective

However, a 2021 protection campaign has led to a remarkable turnaround, with the total weight of fish in the river tripling in the last few years after decades of decline.

— Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 29 July 2026
This has truly been a passion project for me, and everyone involved has poured their hearts into honoring Bulgakov’s remarkable novel.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 29 July 2026

Definition of remarkable

Adjective

The makeover of the Taco Heads building — actually two old houses connected by a patio — is as impressive as the Teddy Wong’s conversion from a 7-Eleven.

— Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
His impressive presence, however, does not go unnoticed, especially with offensive spirit animal George Kittle rehabilitating on the side.

— Cam Inman, Mercury News, 29 July 2026

Definition of impressive

Adjective

Even so, most visitors can get striking views of the swamp’s remarkable beauty and wildlife from boat routes, hiking paths, biking trails and auto tours in different parts of the swamp.

— Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
Psychologists identified a striking disconnect between Boukamp's intellectual abilities and his social functioning.

— Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of striking

Adjective

Platner’s accomplishment came as democratic socialism was enjoying a conspicuous run of electoral victories.

— Joseph Thorndike, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Jeffries has refrained from criticizing the new DSA congressional nominees despite their conspicuous refusal to endorse him for the speakership.

— James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026

Definition of conspicuous

Browse Nearby Words

show up (for)

showy

shrank

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showy. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of showy

adjective

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on showy

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

comely

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly

Popular in Wordplay

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes