showy
gb/ʃˈoʊi/ us/ʃˈoʊi/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
flashy and attention-grabbing
Very easy to notice, in a way that tries to get attention.
Usage pattern:
[a showy + noun]
Common mistake:
Learners may use showy as a positive synonym of “beautiful”; it often suggests “too much” or “trying too hard.”
Synonyms
flashy (More informal; emphasizes bright or trendy attention-getting.)
|
ostentatious (More formal; emphasizes showing off wealth or status.)
|
gaudy (Stronger negative; suggests bad taste and clashing colors.)
Antonyms
understated (Deliberately simple and not attention-seeking.)
|
modest (Not meant to attract attention or show off.)
|
plain (Simple and not decorated.)
Collocations
showy outfit
|showy dress
|showy jewelry
|showy car
|showy watch
|showy haircut
|showy style
|showy display
|showy behavior
|showy manner
Themes
appearance
|fashion
|social_life
Examples
- He turned up in a showy suit that drew stares from across the room.
- The restaurant’s décor is a bit showy for my taste.
- She likes bold colors, but she avoids anything that looks too showy.
Learner examples
- His shoes are very showy.
- I don’t like showy clothes.
adjective
C1
property
2
impressive-looking but not substantial
Looks impressive, but is not really good or useful.
Usage pattern:
[a showy + noun]
Common mistake:
Do not confuse with “showing” (present participle of show). “Showy” is an adjective meaning flashy or made to impress.
Synonyms
superficial (Emphasizes lack of depth rather than visual impact.)
|
cosmetic (Often used for changes that only affect appearance.)
|
for show (Highlights that something is done to be seen, not to achieve a real result.)
Antonyms
substantial (Has real value, depth, or effectiveness.)
|
genuine (Sincere and real, not just for appearance.)
|
practical (Focused on usefulness rather than impression.)
Collocations
showy trick
|showy gesture
|showy promise
|showy presentation
|showy performance
|showy rhetoric
|showy statistics
|showy renovation
|showy packaging
|showy marketing
Themes
communication
|business
|education
Examples
- The plan came with a showy launch event, but very little follow-through.
- His argument was full of showy phrases but lacked evidence.
- They made showy changes to the website without fixing the underlying problems.
Learner examples
- The presentation was showy but not helpful.
adjective
B2
property
3
bright and decorative
Bright and pretty, so it is easy to notice.
Usage pattern:
[showy + noun]
Common mistake:
In this sense, showy can be neutral or positive (especially for flowers), unlike the more negative ‘flashy’ sense.
Synonyms
striking (Broader; can refer to any strong visual impact, not necessarily decoration.)
|
ornamental (Focuses on being decorative, often deliberately cultivated or designed.)
|
eye-catching (Emphasizes drawing the viewer’s attention.)
Antonyms
subtle (Not strongly noticeable; gentle in appearance.)
|
muted (Not bright; subdued in color.)
|
plain (Not decorated or visually striking.)
Collocations
showy flowers
|showy blossoms
|showy blooms
|showy plumage
|showy feathers
|showy colors
|showy pattern
|showy leaves
|showy petals
|showy display
Themes
nature
|appearance
|art_design
Examples
- The garden is full of showy flowers in late spring.
- Peacocks are known for their showy plumage.
- She chose a showy fabric with a bold pattern for the curtains.
Learner examples
- These showy flowers are beautiful.
Grammar
Dictionary form
showy
IPA
GB/ʃˈoʊi/
US/ʃˈoʊi/
Syllables & stress
showy (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (showy)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: showy
- Comparative: showier
- Superlative: showiest
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.