showier; showiest
1
: making an attractive show : striking
a showy orchid
2
: given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display
showily adverb
showiness noun
Choose the Right Synonym for showy

showy, pretentious, ostentatious mean given to excessive outward display.

showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste.

the performers' showy costumes

pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing.

a pretentious parade of hard words

ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade.

the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

Examples of showy in a Sentence

Perhaps you should wear something a little less showy. orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Sun Exposure: Part to full shade Soil Type: Moist, well-draining, rich Soil pH: Slightly acidic to Neutral (6.5-7.5) USDA Hardiness Zones: 4 to 9 Hostas are well known for their showy foliage—and their propensity to attract slugs and snails. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 3 Oct. 2024 The former President’s Boeing 757, known as Trump Force One, performed a showy flyover as thousands of supporters cheered. Peter Slevin, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2024 The Tver attack follows another showy Ukrainian operation on Russian soil: August’s shock offensive into Russia’s Kursk region that has captured about 500 square miles of territory. Ellen Ioanes, Vox, 18 Sep. 2024 Too much fertilizer can cause less showy blooms and the foliage to overdevelop. Katherine Owen, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for showy 

Word History

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of showy was in 1697

Dictionary Entries Near showy

Cite this Entry

“Showy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showy. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

showy

adjective
showier; showiest
1
: attracting attention : striking
showy blossoms
2
: given to or marked by much outward display : gaudy
showy jewelry
showily adverb
showiness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on showy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!