Showy — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ˈshō-ē/

Meaning & Definition of Showy

Showy (adjective)

  1. making an attractive show, striking
  2. given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display

Showy (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. likely to attract attention

    "orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers"

    similar: arresting, bodacious, bold, brilliant, catchy, commanding, conspicuous, dramatic, emphatic, eye-catching, flamboyant, grabby, kenspeckle (chiefly Scottish), marked, noisy, noticeable, prominent, pronounced, remarkable, splashy, striking
    related: detectable, discernible, observable, perceptible, recognizable, visible, outstanding, salient, distinguished, eminent, impressive, notable, noteworthy, highlighted, spotlighted, flagrant, glaring, howling, screaming, flashy, garish, gaudy, glitzy, jazzy, loud, meretricious, swank, tawdry, highfalutin, ostentatious, pretentious, extravagant, fancy, florid, glittery, spectacular, opulent, ornate, overdone, overwrought, absorbing, engrossing, enthralling, fascinating, interesting, riveting
    opposite: inconspicuous, unemphatic, unflamboyant, unnoticeable, unobtrusive, unremarkable, unshowy
    near: subtle, concealed, hidden, shrouded, dim, faint, obscure, insignificant, undistinguished, unimportant, modest, unaffected, unassuming, unpretentious, conservative, plain, quiet, simple, understated, muted, restrained, subdued, toned-down, unflashy

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Showy

The most common words with a similar meaning to Showy:

Chiefly Scottish: kenspeckle
arresting, bodacious, bold, brilliant, catchy, commanding, conspicuous, dramatic, emphatic, eye-catching, flamboyant, grabby, marked, noisy, noticeable, prominent, pronounced, remarkable, splashy, striking

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Showy

Words with the opposite meaning of Showy:

inconspicuous, unemphatic, unflamboyant, unnoticeable, unobtrusive, unremarkable, unshowy

Related Words for Showy

detectable, discernible, observable, perceptible, recognizable, visible, outstanding, salient, distinguished, eminent, impressive, notable, noteworthy, highlighted, spotlighted, flagrant, glaring, howling, screaming, flashy, garish, gaudy, glitzy, jazzy, loud, meretricious, swank, tawdry, highfalutin, ostentatious

Near Antonyms of Showy

subtle, concealed, hidden, shrouded, dim, faint, obscure, insignificant, undistinguished, unimportant, modest, unaffected, unassuming, unpretentious, conservative, plain, quiet, simple, understated, muted, restrained, subdued, toned-down, unflashy

Word Forms of Showy

Inflections: showier, showiest

Derived words: showily (adverb), showiness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Showy

First known use: 1697

Frequently Asked Questions about Showy

What does "Showy" mean?

"Showy" means making an attractive show, striking. As an adjective, it is defined as: making an attractive show, striking.

What is another word for "Showy"?

Other words for "Showy" include arresting, bodacious, bold, brilliant, catchy, commanding, conspicuous and dramatic. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Showy" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Showy"?

There are 67 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Showy". Common alternatives include arresting, bodacious, bold, brilliant, catchy, commanding, conspicuous, dramatic, emphatic and eye-catching.

What is the opposite of "Showy"?

Antonyms of "Showy" include inconspicuous, unemphatic, unflamboyant, unnoticeable, unobtrusive, unremarkable and unshowy. Near antonyms include subtle, concealed, hidden and shrouded.

How do you use "Showy" in a sentence?

Examples of "Showy" in a sentence: "orchid plants are known for their huge showy flowers".

Is "Showy" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Showy" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Showy"?

"Showy" is pronounced /ˈshō-ē/.

What is the origin of the word "Showy"?

First known use: 1697.