ballyhoo 1 of 2

noun

ˈba-lē-ˌhü How to pronounce ballyhoo (audio)
Definition of ballyhoonext
1
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity it turned out that the ballyhoo was the result of a movie being filmed on the street

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in hype
information released to the media that is designed to gain public attention or support for a person, business, or cause the usual ballyhoo intended to fill the seats at megaplexes around the country

Synonyms & Similar Words

ballyhoo

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to advertise
to praise or publicize lavishly and often excessively that reviewer always ballyhoos any book by one of his pet authors

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to promote
to provide publicity for the TV networks usually spend the summer months ballyhooing their new fall shows

Synonyms & Similar 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 ballyhoo
Noun
Reps also seemed to walk back Lawson’s earlier ballyhoo, floating the idea of projecting only conservation messages rather than symbols of corporate greed and ambition. — Mark Hay, Popular Science, 10 Dec. 2025 The chefs have clearly helped Miami diners expand their palates, serving unusual dishes that could potentially make diners uneasy, like the ballyhoo, which Martinez said should return to the menu once the season starts in a few weeks. — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
After being delayed for more than three weeks, the graduation of more than 80 sheriff cadets was finally allowed — and ballyhooed as the largest academy class in the agency’s history. — Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 16 July 2026 And Jennifer Maas previews The Game Awards to explain how the event has grown into the Oscars for video games by blending kudos and ballyhoo. — Cynthia Littleton, Variety, 11 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ballyhoo
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ballyhoo
  1. commotion
  2. hype
  3. advertise
  4. promote
  5. disturbance
  6. publicity
  7. acclaim
  8. sell
Noun
  • The Canadian singer caused a commotion with her ensemble, showing off a head-to-toe Alaïa ensemble from the upcoming Archetypes spring 2027 collection.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 29 Aug. 2026
  • There was no illness or injury, Krauss said, but the dog seemed ready to step away from the crowds and commotion.
    — Lauren Paige Richeson, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of commotion
Noun
  • The Vikings signed Price as an undrafted free agent in 2025 with minimal hype.
    — Alec Lewis, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Instead, the Horned Frogs fell to UNC 15-10, joined a growing list of teams that entered the Aer Lingus Classic in Dublin with plenty of hype only to endure what could be a season-defining loss.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of hype
Verb
  • The platform has entered into a deal with BET to develop and distribute microdramas across linear and digital platforms and a pact with National CineMedia to advertise its series in movie theaters.
    — Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The experience sharpened her understanding of the gap between the freedoms advertised to women and those actually available to them.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of advertise
Verb
  • When applied to the scalp, certain peptides can send signals that promote follicle function, extend the growth phase of the hair cycle, and strengthen the tissue surrounding the follicle.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Trump has also promoted the destruction of Iran's nuclear facilities and navy, and the reduction in missile and drone capabilities, as measures of success.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of promote
Noun
  • Estradiol transdermal patches, which deliver the estrogen hormone directly into the bloodstream, are used to ease menopause symptoms such as mood swings, hot flashes and sleep disturbances.
    — Sriparna Roy, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026
  • As if a million white collar workers suddenly cried out in terror at once, a great disturbance in the AI force forced down every major AI chatbot service — a brief moment of reprieve from our AI empire overlords.
    — Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of disturbance
Noun
  • Jeff Hiller’s surprise Supporting Actor in a Comedy win for Somebody Somewhere was the best publicity that show ever got, all from just one award.
    — Joe Reid, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Getting singled out by Sacha Baron Cohen‘s most infamous character turned out to be good publicity, not an insult, for Ed Sheeran.
    — Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of publicity
Verb
  • The show debuted on the BBC iPlayer and BBC television earlier this year to acclaim and the best 28-day launch ratings for a comedy on BBC Two since 2022.
    — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2026
  • All of a Sudden premiered to acclaim at Cannes in May, where co-stars Virginie Efira and Tao Okamoto shared the best actress prize.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of acclaim
Verb
  • Meanwhile, a federal judge on Wednesday rejected the Justice Department's push to force Google to sell its ad exchange, another victory for the company against the government's antitrust efforts.
    — MacKenzie Sigalos,Drew Troast, CNBC, 3 Sep. 2026
  • This Paige Shoulder Bag is selling like hot cakes, so much so that the baby blue style is already sold out.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of sell

Browse Nearby Words

balls of wax
ballyhoo
ballyhooed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ballyhoo.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ballyhoo. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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