showstopper

noun

show·​stop·​per ˈshō-ˌstä-pər How to pronounce showstopper (audio)
Synonyms of showstoppernext
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
showstopping
ˈshō-ˌstä-piŋ How to pronounce showstopper (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of showstopper

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Examples of showstopper in a Sentence

at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
But the showstoppers are the ones that take advantage of Marea’s ocean views. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026 Whether your style leans more feminine, classic, or laid-back, these easy-to-accessorize showstoppers are here to help. — India Roby, Glamour, 28 July 2026 While its exterior bones are quite impressive, its interiors are the real showstopper here. — Mae Hamilton, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2026 This slab pie is your summer showstopper, with cheesy pastry, a generous slick of Dijon mayonnaise, and fat slices of heirloom tomatoes peeking out of a lattice top. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 18 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for showstopper

Word History

First Known Use

1916, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of showstopper was in 1916

Rhymes for showstopper

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Browse Nearby Words

show stone
showstopper
show/teach (someone) a trick or two
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Cite this Entry

“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 3 Aug. 2026.

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