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

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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 Explanations as to why he was fired have varied widely from the defense minister allegedly being too corrupt, not corrupt enough, too combative with army leadership, too showy, too popular, and too in the clouds on military matters. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 16 July 2026 Hydrangeas are one of the most popular perennials thanks to their showy flowers and interesting foliage. — Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 15 July 2026 As Vasily Borodin, executive officer of the Red October, Neill brings gravitas and gentle truth to a submarine thriller that otherwise can feel a little showy. — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026 Sheppard emphasized that the home was designed to feel livable and warm rather than overbuilt or showy, leaning into a traditional farmhouse style. — David Caraccio updated July 8, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for showy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy

Adjective

Although the moon’s dark umbral shadow will miss North America, millions of people will still see the moon take a noticeable bite out of the sun.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
Sodium-ion chemistry also performs well in cold weather, where conventional lithium-ion batteries often experience noticeable reductions in charging speed and driving range.

— Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of noticeable

Adjective

One of the most prominent discounts, though, is on a Le Creuset Sautese Oven, which is a whopping $150 off — but not for much longer.

— Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 8 Aug. 2026
The endorsement deal with Daktronics raised suspicion because the company doesn’t do business with the general public and doesn’t need prominent athletes or celebrities to pitch its products.

— Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of prominent

Adjective

In neighboring Wisconsin, Francesca Hong, who previously aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America, has what appears to be a commanding lead in the gubernatorial primary.

— Tamara Keith, NPR, 4 Aug. 2026
Eventually, Skubal morphed into the game’s best and most commanding pitcher.

— Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of commanding

Adjective

But Offerman submitted his character’s most dramatic moment on Margo’s Got Money Troubles, a drug relapse that nearly costs his daughter her kid.

— Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Aug. 2026
An adaptation of Stephen King‘s 1982 novella The Body, Stand by Me represented Reiner’s first foray into dramatic filmmaking.

— Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of dramatic

Adjective

As the war in Iran continues, TIFF will host the world premiere of a Tehran, Under the Skin, a documentary that offers a remarkable view of an unexpected aspect of Iranian society.

— Matthew Carey, Deadline, 5 Aug. 2026
The latest find is one of many remarkable Roman discoveries made across England in recent years.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of remarkable

Adjective

While not as showy or Instagram friendly, how Caminero has matured and improved overall at the plate actually may be more impressive.

— Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026
But the Big Ten has developed plenty of impressive atmospheres too, with Oregon, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and Nebraska leading the way.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of impressive

Adjective

With their slender, metallic green bodies and prominent black eyes, emerald ash borers have a striking, jewel-like appearance.

— Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Aug. 2026
Those are some of the striking examples of observational register, one that uses tactical distance, sound, slowness and associative montage to convey pain without resorting to the evidentiary shock of graphic imagery.

— Sonya Vseliubska, IndieWire, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of striking

Adjective

On the other, an Iranian supreme leader whose absence is conspicuous while his nation is locked in a military and diplomatic standoff that could define the future of the Middle East.

— Alexander Smith, NBC news, 6 Aug. 2026
Tying with Kanye is Chappell Roan — the only act in the anger top ten that doesn’t overlap in the hip-hop world and one of the study’s most conspicuous inclusions.

— Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of conspicuous

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show up (for)

showy

shrank

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“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showy. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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