GAUDY Synonyms: 62 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the adjective 'gaudy' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gaudy are flashy , garish , meretricious , and tawdry . While all these words mean "vulgarly or cheaply showy," gaudy implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation. // circus performers in gaudy costumes

Q: When could 'flashy' be used to replace 'gaudy'?

The words flashy and gaudy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flashy implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar. // a flashy nightclub act

Q: When is 'garish' a more appropriate choice than 'gaudy'?

While in some cases nearly identical to gaudy , garish describes what is distressingly or offensively bright. // garish neon signs

Q: Where would 'meretricious' be a reasonable alternative to 'gaudy'?

The synonyms meretricious and gaudy 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

Q: When is it sensible to use 'tawdry' instead of 'gaudy'?

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

gaudy

adjective

ˈgȯ-dē

Definition of gaudy next

as in loud

excessively showy gaudy decorations on all the doors and windows at festival time

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How does the adjective gaudy contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of gaudy are flashy, garish, meretricious, and tawdry. While all these words mean "vulgarly or cheaply showy," gaudy implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation.

circus performers in gaudy costumes

When could flashy be used to replace gaudy?

The words flashy and gaudy are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, flashy implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar.

a flashy nightclub act

When is garish a more appropriate choice than gaudy?

While in some cases nearly identical to gaudy, garish describes what is distressingly or offensively bright.

garish neon signs

Where would meretricious be a reasonable alternative to gaudy?

The synonyms meretricious and gaudy 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 is it sensible to use tawdry instead of gaudy?

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

tawdry saloons

Examples 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 gaudy They were hidden from Eliza by a palm made gaudy with orchids. —

Lauren Groff, The New Yorker, 8 Dec. 2024 The series became famous for being a relic of the eighties thanks to its rock anthems, gaudy clothing and karate falling out of fashion. —

Caroline Reid, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 The gaudy designs of fan-favorite heroes were toned down, their costumes shaded in muted tones. —

Jack King, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2024 Textures don’t have to be too gaudy but should add an interesting aspect to your look. —

Kerane Marcellus, Essence, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gaudy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for gaudy

Adjective

The blizzard gave them some issues, but the over 1,000 staff members are more than ready to welcome the loudest fans in the NFL, plus some Texans fans hoping to see an upset.

— Joseph Hernandez, Kansas City Star, 18 Jan. 2025
Cubs fans greeted Sosa with cheers and only a smattering of boos, which were drown out by the loud applause.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025