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

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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 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 While not as showy or Instagram friendly, how Caminero has matured and improved overall at the plate actually may be more impressive. — Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 5 Aug. 2026 Although the camerawork isn’t as noticeably showy this time around, Best Cinematography winner Hoyte van Hoytema‘s stature as the first person to shoot an entire film on IMAX 70mm will score a lot of points among his peers. — Marcus Jones, IndieWire, 22 July 2026 And, like Maverick, Hegseth disdains rules against showy flyovers. — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for showy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy

Adjective

The 277 lb-ft of torque arrives from 2,000 rpm, and the difference is immediately noticeable.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
The result is particularly noticeable in its food scene, where Middle Eastern influences sit comfortably alongside contemporary Scandinavian restaurants.

— David Nikel, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of noticeable

Adjective

Among the prominent figures was Tobias Adrian, Director of the Monetary and Capital Markets Department at the International Monetary Fund.

— , CNBC, 28 Aug. 2026
The movement thereafter played a prominent role in protests across the United States and in other countries, particularly in the wake of the murders of Eric Garner in 2014 and George Floyd in 2020.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of prominent

Adjective

Though the Roman telescope is often compared to Hubble, which launched in 1990 and has captured some of the most dramatic and memorable views of the cosmos, Roman’s capabilities far outpace its predecessor’s.

— Denise Chow, NBC news, 29 Aug. 2026
Sabu cast Ethan Juan, known for serious dramatic roles, and pushed him toward comedy.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of dramatic

Adjective

With the remarkable rise in online food delivery, many restaurants struggle to balance service and food prep for diners in their establishments while also preparing staging and queuing delivery for takeout orders.

— George C. Lee II, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
Sean and Ray have earned a remarkable reputation for championing distinctive filmmakers and original ideas.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of remarkable

Adjective

The most impressive trick Paranormal Activity pulls off is making an entire theater — devotees and newcomers alike — afraid to look away, and giving them one hell of a good time while doing it.

— Dave Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
The ingredients are impressive, but the shopper reviews are even better.

— Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of impressive

Adjective

Beyond the conventional routes lie some of the world’s most striking volcanic highlands, black-sand beaches, and untamed wilderness—landscapes that reward those willing to venture farther afield.

— Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
Much like its London siblings, Chelsea Townhouse offers a striking counterpoint to the slew of large luxury hotels that have opened in the city more recently—a discreet, comfortable brand of luxury without the extra frills.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of striking

Adjective

Without it, that money and those jobs would simply not materialize, leaving a conspicuous financial hole in the UAE’s crucial winter tourism season.

— Inzamam Rashid, Fortune, 26 Aug. 2026
The most conspicuous are rookie coaches Walter Vaughn of North Springs, Jamoski Ward of Central of Macon and Gabe Gay of Montgomery County .

— Todd Holcomb, AJC.com, 26 Aug. 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 2 Sep. 2026.

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