showy

adjective

ˈshō-ē How to pronounce showy (audio)
showier; showiest
Synonyms of showy
1
: making an attractive show : striking
a showy orchid
2
: given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display
showily
ˈshō-ə-lē How to pronounce showy (audio)
adverb
showiness
ˈshō-ē-nəs How to pronounce showy (audio)
noun

Synonyms of showy

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showy, pretentious, ostentatious mean given to excessive outward display.

showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste.

the performers' showy costumes

pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing.

a pretentious parade of hard words

ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade.

the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

Examples of showy in a Sentence

Perhaps you should wear something a little less showy. orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Still, this is fundamentally a showcase for Bailey, a superb young actress already capable of formidable emotional depth and yet never showy. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 Cultivars have particularly showy foliage in rich purple and burgundy hues. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 20 Aug. 2026 Rather, the mission of Our Rescue, which used to be known as Operation Underground Railroad, is to save individuals from human-trafficking rings, often through showy sting operations. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026 Seline, a 14- to 17-course epicurean adventure told through seasonal and regional ingredients, innovative techniques and showy plating that makes use of bones, antlers and bowls within bowls, has been racking up accolades in 2026. — Carrie Bell, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for showy

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of showy was in 1697

Rhymes for showy

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Browse Nearby Words

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showy
showyard
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Cite this Entry

“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showy. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

showy

adjective
ˈshō-ē How to pronounce showy (audio)
showier; showiest
1
: attracting attention : striking
showy blossoms
2
: given to or marked by much outward display : gaudy
showy jewelry
showily
ˈshō-ə-lē How to pronounce showy (audio)
adverb
showiness
ˈshō-ē-nəs How to pronounce showy (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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