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 next

as in noticeable

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Rainy springtime walk in Central Park This is a showy couple with a penchant for theatrics. —

Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 7 Jan. 2025 The operatic numbers are showy and gorgeous, with great costumes and production design. —

Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024 The trouble for the 17-year-old seemed likely to be that her number wasn’t nearly as showy and exciting as Aliyah and Austyns’ were. —

Charles Masson, TVLine, 25 Nov. 2024 Clad in leather pants with a swath of showy moves, hip swaying melodies abound in each song. —

Mars Salazar, Ramon Ramirez, Lily Kepner, Deborah Sengupta Stith, Caleb Yum, Keri Heath, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for showy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy

Adjective

Dehydrated skin can make fine lines more noticeable.

— Jenna Ryu, SELF, 11 Feb. 2025
The penalty tilt has noticeable in the past 12 Kansas City postseason games as Chiefs opponents have been flagged more 11 times, with one tie.

— Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 8 Feb. 2025