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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Several prominent fan groups have criticised the club’s summer transfer business and requested meetings with the Everton hierarchy.

— Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
Broadly speaking, many prominent Silicon Valley companies started in a place of technological service and innovation only to have more recently shifted into the dystopia business, and public sentiment has shifted in kind.

— Scott Tobias, Vulture, 4 Sep. 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

Yet among those who believe China has taken the lead, 49 percent chose China and a remarkable 38 percent still chose the United States.

— Adam Y. Liu, Foreign Affairs, 2 Sep. 2026
The breed has become known for its remarkable white coat and friendly expression, though prospective owners should know the dogs are also active working breeds that need exercise, training and substantial grooming.

— Pat Mueller, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of remarkable

Adjective

Besiktas had been chasing Joe Willock, who seemed a shoo-in to depart, but an impressive start under Jaissle brought a rethink; a contract extension is possible.

— George Caulkin, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2026
My mom’s longtime favorite flip-flops have a super impressive discount today, so act fast to snap them up before summer officially comes to a close.

— Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 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

For one thing, there’s that conspicuous six-page feature on Zara chair Marta Ortega Pérez — the 42-year-old daughter of 90-year-old founder Amancio Ortega — in Vogue‘s September issue.

— Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 2 Sep. 2026
Trump’s approval ratings tanked, and the ICE surges into American cities were replaced by less conspicuous methods.

— Emily Witt, New Yorker, 31 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 5 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of showy

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