adj.
Pronunciation: ' sh ō - ē
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: show · i · er ; -est
Date: 1709
1 : making an attractive show : STRIKING <a showy orchid>
2 : given to or marked by a flashy often tasteless display
– show · i · ly \ ' sh ō - ə -l ē \ adverb
– show · i · ness \ ' sh ō - ē -n ə s \ noun
synonyms 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>.