showstopper
noun
show·stop·per
ˈshō-ˌstä-pər 
1
: an act, song, or performer that wins applause so prolonged as to interrupt a performance
2
: something or someone exceptionally arresting or attractive
the gold crown was the showstopper of the exhibition
3
: one that stops or could stop the progress, operation, or functioning of something
Synonyms of showstopper
Examples of showstopper in a Sentence
at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
Opened in 1901, the ornate behemoth in Center City, built in the style of the Second Empire, remains a showstopper today.
—
Regan Stephens,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
The hotel's dining rooms are visual showstoppers, reminiscent of a grand Loire Valley estate.
—
Veronica M. Stoddart,
Travel + Leisure,
30 June 2026
This 1,500-square-foot dressing room is Opal's fashion showstopper.
—
Natalie Hoberman,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
Put simply, a decade of technological advances transformed this cosmic duet into a true showstopper.
—
Sam MacDonald,
Scientific American,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
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.
Regan Stephens,
New York Times,
2 July 2026
The hotel's dining rooms are visual showstoppers, reminiscent of a grand Loire Valley estate.
—
Veronica M. Stoddart,
Travel + Leisure,
30 June 2026
This 1,500-square-foot dressing room is Opal's fashion showstopper.
—
Natalie Hoberman,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2026
Put simply, a decade of technological advances transformed this cosmic duet into a true showstopper.
—
Sam MacDonald,
Scientific American,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for showstopper
Cite this Entry
“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
