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 While the punk rock scene that spawned them was about overthrowing the bloated rock royalty of the ‘60s and mid-‘70s, punk was still showy and flamboyant; Joy Division were nothing of the sort. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 25 Sep. 2026 Although garden mums are considered hardy to Zone 5, breeders have developed fall mums with big mounds of showy flowers that may not be as cold-hardy as in the past. — Lynn Coulter, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2026 Alliums Many people are surprised to find out that our good old culinary onion (Allium cepa) has a tremendous number of very showy cousins that are grown as ornamental bulbs. — Paul Cappeillo, Louisville Courier Journal, 11 Sep. 2026 Watch for showy red and burgundy leaves in the fall, architectural interest in the winter, yellow-green catkins in the spring, and a dense green canopy in the summer. — The Spruce, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for showy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for showy

Adjective

Our final list is made up of the best six neck creams for older women that firmed skin and made things like tech neck, sagging, and crepey texture look a lot less noticeable and smoother.

— Christa Joanna Lee, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026
Aldi’s Benton’s Original Chocolate Sandwich Creme Cookies have become a frequent Oreo comparison, and a Simply Recipes blind taste test found noticeable differences between the two, with the reviewer ultimately preferring Oreos.

— Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of noticeable

Adjective

The number is an estimate by Yogendra Yadav, an elections specialist and prominent critic of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

— Diaa Hadid, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026
The 4,000-square-foot store will be one of the newest tenants in the prominent shopping plaza in downtown Sacramento.

— Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of prominent

Adjective

But a remarkable number of young people are expected to cast ballots for far-right parties whose messaging is overtly Jewish nationalist.

— Yarden Segev, NBC news, 27 Oct. 2026
Completed in June 2026, with Studio Asa serving as landscape consultant, Split Mass Residence packs a remarkable amount of living, work and leisure space onto its corner plot.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of remarkable

Adjective

Reid was truly impressive in all facets and a guy Hornets fans are really going to like.

— Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026
The character creator is impressive, too, with a huge number of unlockable outfits and accessories, as well as classic alien races from the movies and cartoons.

— Brad Bourque, The Verge, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of impressive

Adjective

The design plays with geometry, reflection and depth—think warm wood panelling, bronzed mirrors, walnut tables, brass accents and luminous geometric details, including a striking hexagonal counter.

— Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
The timing is striking, since the midterm elections are less than two weeks away and polls show Democrats with an edge in many key races.

— Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of striking

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 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of showy

adjective

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