Definition of showynext

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 There are no showy logos in sight here and the wildest hue to be found is the poppy red of the Audrey Hepburn–inspired Devon Capri pant. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 18 Feb. 2026 Eco effort La Sultana Oualidia’s planet-friendly approach prioritizes a dynamic impact on its local environment without ever feeling showy, and many of their most meaningful initiatives may fly under the radar even for guests. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Feb. 2026 Its green leaves have a silvery underside for beautiful dimension, while the flowers are white, showy, and fragrant. Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026 The showy display may demonstrate their physical prowess. K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for showy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy
Adjective
  • That’s in large part due to the Eagles’ noticeable step backward following their Super Bowl-winning season in 2024.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026
  • While London retains its energy, there is a noticeable shift in focus toward craft, quality, and, ultimately, wearability.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The perennial candidate had raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years from prominent right-wing figures while promoting QAnon conspiracy theories but never cracked 25% of the vote.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The three currently rank among the top 15 models on the prominent Artificial Analysis leaderboard.
    John Liu, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In an indictment Thursday, federal prosecutors said Kevin Taylor attempted to steer an $11 million contract toward the company, SaferWatch, while serving as the commanding officer of the department's School Safety Division.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 14 Feb. 2026
  • The President demoted Greg Bovino, the commanding agent in charge of the roving patrols that have besieged Los Angeles, Chicago, Charlotte, and Minneapolis.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • In contrast, many of today's female contestants have Botox-smooth foreheads, clear, dewy skin, dramatic brows and lashes, and sparkling white smiles.
    Erika W. Smith, Allure, 26 Feb. 2026
  • Jean-Luc Godard used nonprofessionals to rend the dramatic fabric and expose the artifices of performance.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Nature protects history and human life Inside the remarkable medieval settlement, archaeologists found moats, remains of buildings, and artifacts, 244 to be exact, including 66 knives, sickles, iron coulters, arrowheads, spearheads, and personal accessories were identified, as per Heritage Daily.
    Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 1 Mar. 2026
  • The product has had a remarkable uptake.
    Jim Cramer, CNBC, 1 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • That short stint was immediately derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic and a surprise Amazon acquisition, but their impressive taste made Hollywood take notice.
    Gregory Ellwood, Los Angeles Times, 23 Feb. 2026
  • There’s ample prewar charm (mahogany inlay and parquet hardwood floors, a working fireplace with an impressive mantel), and the place is pretty turnkey.
    Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 23 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Upstairs, corridors wrap around a striking double-height bamboo atrium—real moso bamboo is planted at the building's core.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The striking red foliage of Japanese bloodgrass (Imperata cylindrica) has lured thousands of gardeners into planting this noxious grassy groundcover.
    Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • The bright and glassy Jepson Center, conspicuous amid Savannah’s historic architecture, features traveling exhibitions and contemporary local works, and also houses the Telfair Children’s Art Museum, opened in 2023.
    Adam Kuehl, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2026
  • In the city’s Financial District, home to Canada’s major banks, locals are easily distinguishable from tourists and visitors by the conspicuous absence of winter paraphernalia.
    Vivian Song, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/showy. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

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