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

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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 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 For such a showy animal, its flavor is surprisingly delicate, devoid of any fishiness in a way that reminds me of flounder. — Rachel Nuwer, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026 Stallone wears the showy boots featuring tassels and a Nike swoosh in the opening montage of the 1982 film. — CBS News, 16 June 2026 Each composition, cut, and camera move is expressive and carefully selected, and the lighting by cinematographer Ellen Kuras is beautiful without feeling self-conscious or showy. — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for showy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy

Adjective

North America was the main surprise, while Africa also contributed a noticeable share of the increase from a much smaller base.

— Robert Rapier, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Frustingly for Croatia, Matanović’s tiny touch was barely noticeable with the naked eye.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

Definition of noticeable

Adjective

One prominent Cherokee named Katteuha co-wrote a letter to Benjamin Franklin during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, urging him to push for peace between the Native people and settlers.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
The effect of protostar outflows on their environment can be seen in the JWST image via the prominent blue ridges.

— Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 July 2026

Definition of prominent

Adjective

And beyond all the light and magic of their goals, this was just a very commanding team performance.

— Jack Lang, New York Times, 1 July 2026
The venue falls within the NYPD's Patrol Borough Manhattan South, whose commanding officer was reassigned last week amid an internal affairs corruption probe.

— Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026

Definition of commanding

Adjective

After so many dramatic and 11th-hour wins in the Round of 32, the World Cup's Round of 16 has much to live up to.

— Michael Lewis, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
Such has been such a dramatic overhaul in the conference that the Heat at one moment can be viewed as contenders for the NBA Finals and at another the perception quite reasonably can be … right back in the play-in pool.

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026

Definition of dramatic

Adjective

As notorious as Cotliar was for his accurate calls on election night, impressive memory, love for college basketball and the Los Angeles Times, he was also known around the newsroom for his occasional near-slapstick temper.

— Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
Golden Tempo, the impressive three-year-old colt, captured both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, establishing himself as the leader of his class.

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of impressive

Adjective

There was also a cohort of local vignerons, whose understated practicality was a welcome juxtaposition to the occasionally conspicuous wealth of the international collector crowd.

— George Nelson for ArtNews, Robb Report, 9 July 2026
The hot water temperature at one of the hand sinks was too low, some meat in the refrigerator was stored without date markings and the restaurant’s permit wasn’t posted in a conspicuous place.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Definition of conspicuous

Browse Nearby Words

show up (for)

showy

shrank

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“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showy. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of showy

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