Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective flashy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of flashy are garish, gaudy, meretricious, and tawdry. While all these words mean "vulgarly or cheaply showy," flashy implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar.

a flashy nightclub act

When can garish be used instead of flashy?

Although the words garish and flashy have much in common, garish describes what is distressingly or offensively bright.

garish neon signs

When is it sensible to use gaudy instead of flashy?

The meanings of gaudy and flashy largely overlap; however, gaudy implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation.

circus performers in gaudy costumes

When might meretricious be a better fit than flashy?

The synonyms meretricious and flashy are sometimes interchangeable, but meretricious stresses falsity and may describe a tawdry show that beckons with a false allure or promise.

a meretricious wasteland of casinos and bars

When would tawdry be a good substitute for flashy?

In some situations, the words tawdry and flashy are roughly equivalent. However, tawdry applies to what is at once gaudy and cheap and sleazy.

tawdry saloons

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 flashy His flashiest assists were offset by foolhardy turnovers. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2025 Neither gravitates toward the flashier aspects of the virtuoso life style. Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025 Those chasing flashy marketing will be left behind. Lutz Finger, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 Strategic workforce management isn’t about slashing headcount for the sake of flashy cost-cutting. Sherzod Odilov, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for flashy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flashy
Adjective
  • The post included an adorable shot of Baby Boy looking straight at the camera while showing off a stylish Louis Vuitton leash, as well as a video of the little dude snuggled up on Snoop’s lap and chewing on the rapper’s Death Row jacket.
    Anna Chan, Billboard, 7 July 2025
  • Combining sophisticated calf leather with the brand’s signature canvas, the bag is effortlessly stylish and functional.
    Molly Blanco, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 July 2025
Adjective
  • Room for improvement The cabin is so loud even with the top up that conversation with a partner was difficult at speed.
    Josh Max, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025
  • To give you an idea of how loud that is, city traffic is 85 decibels, and a siren is 120 decibels.
    Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
Adjective
  • Photo : Gavin Cater The dining room unfolds into a snazzy kitchen outfitted with a La Cornue range.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 16 June 2025
  • Something delicate and silver, that goes almost anywhere for evening, or to almost any snazzy daytime event.
    Gretta Monahan, Boston Herald, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • If co-workers are noisy, ask for sound-cancelling headphones or a seating change.
    Amy Lindgren, Twin Cities, 28 June 2025
  • In a lively first-half played in front of a noisy crowd of 54,619, Chelsea were denied a penalty when Enzo Fernandez went down in the box after turning past Gerson, while at the other end Levi Colwill headed the ball off the line from a free kick.
    Liam Twomey, New York Times, 20 June 2025
Adjective
  • The couple was spotted attending the Dior Homme Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show on June 27 and wore a pair of fashionable ensembles for the event.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 27 June 2025
  • These high-waist yoga leggings with contrast trim feature a contrast trim for a fashionable touch.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 24 June 2025
Adjective
  • But Oklahoma City engulfs basketball’s gaudiest attacks not in spite of its hacking but because of it.
    Fred Katz, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • On Saturday, on the streets of Washington, Donald Trump will throw himself a costly and ostentatious military parade, a gaudy display of waste and vainglory staged solely to inflate the president’s dirigible-sized ego.
    Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
Adjective
  • Proofs can vary significantly, but many cask strength bourbons land between 110 and 135 proof, delivering an intense and layered sipping experience that can be softened with a splash of water or enjoyed neat for full impact.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025
  • Material: 99% cotton, 1% elastane Washes: 3 options Mother’s Hustler jeans flare ever so slightly at the ankles, with a raw hem that’s edgy but still neat enough to wear to work.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • The floral prints just feel right everywhere, from the lavender fields of Provence to the vibrant streets of Lisbon, and the lightweight fabric keeps me cool in the hottest temperatures.
    Claire Gallam, Travel + Leisure, 6 July 2025
  • This keeps living spaces cooler and saves money, CEO of Green Doors Joseph Holman told the outlet, as air conditioning units don't have to work as hard to keep spaces chilled.
    Greta Cross, USA Today, 6 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Flashy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://x0upouf933.proxynodejs.usequeue.com/thesaurus/flashy. Accessed 12 Jul. 2025.

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