flashy

adjective

ˈfla-shē How to pronounce flashy (audio)
Definition of flashynext
1
as in stylish
attractively eye-catching in style I bought a flashy new car as soon as I got my first paycheck

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in loud
excessively showy wore flashy rings on almost all the fingers of his left hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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
  1. stylish
  2. loud
  3. snazzy
  4. noisy
  5. fashionable
  6. gaudy
  7. neat
  8. cool
Adjective
  • This hat offers a throwback ‘90s look while keeping you stylish and protected.
    — Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2025
  • By Emma Specter Wellness 5 Daily Activities That Lower Cortisol, No Meditation Required By Ana Morales Opinion The 24 Best Feel-Good Movies to Rewatch Now By Emma Specter Another main focus for the stylish series?
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of stylish
Adjective
  • In a nutshell, this Mango crossbody is trendy without being loud: a balance that will serve you well, especially when paired with a maxi skirt, white sneakers, and a transitional-weather cashmere sweater almost as soft as the item itself.
    — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The sigh of relief heard on Wall Street was almost as loud on Capitol Hill, where GOP lawmakers let out a collective exhale.
    — Alex Gangitano, The Hill, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of loud
Adjective
  • Also, the uniform requirement — Hoka or ON sneakers, Lululemon tank, pants or leggings, or a snazzy blazer — is a bit much.
    — Zach Przystup, Baltimore Sun, 24 Mar. 2025
  • The primary suite comes complete with two closets, along with a luxe bath containing dual vanities, a snazzy soaking tub, and a glassy shower.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2025
Definition of snazzy
Adjective
  • Our emissions are simply too loud, too noisy, and too difficult to remove.
    — ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 16 Apr. 2025
  • The resulting truck was so noisy it couldn’t be sold in several states, including California, Florida, and Maryland.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of noisy
Adjective
  • Newly single Rachel Zoe, meanwhile, made a grand entrance flanked by a fashionable crew.
    — Brianne Tracy, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • By the 1960s, women were making more fashionable style choices.
    — Joseph Hudak, Rolling Stone, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of fashionable
Adjective
  • Bridges is in a steady rhythm, putting up gaudy offensive numbers despite being one of the main focal points in the opposing team’s scouting report, given the Hornets’ sheer number of injuries.
    — Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 15 Mar. 2025
  • While wearing gaudy lime green T-shirts, neon ties sprouting shamrocks with Gaelic sayings, or singing catchy, sentimental tunes, many people also enjoy an Americanized version of the Celtic culture for a day, whether Irish or not.
    — Maureen Murphy, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of gaudy
Adjective
  • Over the next two hours, jeweler and collector pored over nearly 40 pieces, separating them into neat piles.
    — Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025
  • They can be enjoyed sipped neat or poured over ice.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of neat
Adjective
  • Results could offer clues about household confidence as inflation lingers and real wages cool.
    — Catherine Baab, Quartz, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Netflix competition series Million Dollar Secret kicked off last month with 12 strangers entering a mansion known as the Stag, where each of their rooms contained a fancy wooden box, one of which held a cool million dollars in stacks of cash.
    — Jillian Sederholm, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of cool

Browse Nearby Words

flash points
flashy
flask
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Flashy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flashy. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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