FRILLY Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

frilly

adjective

Definition of frilly

as in showy

Related Words

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Dissimilar 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 frilly The corseted bodice, frilly hems, and drop-waist shape are so fun. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 12 Aug. 2026 Ava Max steps out in the New York City neighborhood of East Village on July 17, in a quirky look of an oversized hat an frilly shirt. — People Staff, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 This frilly stripe and solid one-piece is almost too pretty to get wet. — Jessica Benavides Canepa, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026 Interestingly, her bandmate Tzuyu’s frilly bloomers with garter-type ties did not fan flames on social media. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 Plant species with contrasting textures, such as frilly ferns with the large, bold leaves of hosta. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026 The analog girl in a digital world took the stage on Sunday evening to close out the festival wearing what looked like a mushroom cap on her head, accented by a frilly, droopy outfit that looked like it was designed by psilocybin. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 1 June 2026 My clothes, a mountain range of frilly skirts, dark jeans, and long-sleeve dresses on my bedroom floor. — Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 Blooming over a long season, the fragrant, frilly blooms draw Gulf Fritillary and other butterfly species to the garden. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frilly

Adjective

The showy red, pink, or lavender blooms attract not only bees, but also hummingbirds and butterflies.

— 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

Definition of showy

Adjective

And while von Furstenberg gravitated to something more minimalist and streamlined for her look, there’s plenty of options out there for the more flamboyant sun-seekers, too.

— Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
Her father, Robert Maxwell, was a flamboyant billionaire and larger-than-life British icon and media tycoon in the 1970s and 1980s.

— James Hill, ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of flamboyant

Adjective

The choreography of the dozen-plus players on the stage is exuberant, playful and brilliantly timed, creating moments that draw both applause and gasps of joy from the crowd.

— Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
How about an exuberant and hilarious turn as Long John Silver with a cast of Muppets?

— Tom Nichols, The Atlantic, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of exuberant

Adjective

Despite all of this potential economic turmoil on the Canadian side, Carney still concluded that at the end of the day, the cost of acceding to Washington’s extravagant demands was higher than the cost of job losses and strain on a key industry.

— Daniel DePetris, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026
Their journey leads them through an extravagant amusement park built on the grounds of a drug lord’s former estate.

— Leo Barraclough, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of extravagant

Adjective

Nate Stickney / Rumble Ponies Rojas’ necklace, derived from a joke with his little brother, is small and less ostentatious than its message.

— Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
Every material has been selected to age gracefully, while subtle craftsmanship and tactile finishes ensure that interiors are refined without ever feeling ostentatious.

— Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of ostentatious

Adjective

The city is grandiose enough that there are even ways for filmmakers to put their own spin on its more conventional sights and sounds.

— Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
Serra’s immersive event, a rapture of colors and shadows, pays fittingly grandiose tribute to an emissary of a legendary cinematic era.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of grandiose

Adjective

In true Richards’ fashion, of course, Kyle transfers her distress into throwing yet another one of her overwrought white parties, whose guest list is filled with a caravan of beloved names in the Bravo-verse.

— Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
But the action is so dependent on overwrought dialogue, red herrings, titillating close-ups, and a barrage of throwback songs that the story constantly takes a backseat.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of overwrought

Adjective

Yeah, just continue and figure out elegant ways to catch up with everyone, like catch up with what’s been happening in the last year.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 25 Aug. 2026
The couple recently tied the knot in an elegant ceremony in Sicily at the historic Villa Valguarnera near Palermo on June 6, after officially marrying in London’s Marylebone Town Hall in advance.

— Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of elegant

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frills

frilly

fringe

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“Frilly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frilly. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of frilly

adjective

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