showier

Showier is the comparative form of the adjective showy. It describes something that is more conspicuously attractive, flashy, or ostentatious in appearance or behavior than another. The sense can apply to clothing, architecture, performances, displays, or natural features such as flowers or plumage. The word often carries a negative or critical connotation, implying tasteless or excessive show, but it can also be neutral when simply noting visual impact.

In usage, showier is used to compare two or more things: "The showier gown drew more cameras" or "a showier display than its predecessor." In biology and ecology, showy (often still used as an adjective) describes conspicuous traits used to attract mates or pollinators, e.g., a showier male bird's plumage.

Etymology: showy comes from the verb show, with the adjectival suffix -y; the comparative form is formed regularly as showier.

Related terms: showiness (noun), showiness as a quality; synonyms include ostentatious, gaudy, flamboyant, flashy; antonyms include understated, modest, restrained.

See also: showmanship; showpiece.

Pronunciation: /ˈʃoʊ.i.ər/