Gaudy: meaning, definitions and examples

Gaudy is used to describe something that is excessively showy or bright, often considered tasteless or of low quality.

• She wore a gaudy dress covered in sequins
• The hotel lobby was decorated in gaudy colors

Flashy refers to something that is flamboyant or meant to attract attention, sometimes considered lacking in taste.

• He drove a flashy sports car
• Her jewelry was too flashy for the office

Garish describes something that is overly bright and glaring, usually in a way that is unpleasant and shocking.

• The neon signs in the city were garish and distracting
• She avoided wearing anything with garish colors

Loud is used to describe something that is very bright and attention-grabbing, often considered too strong or overwhelming.

• His shirt had a loud pattern that stood out in the crowd
• The decor of the restaurant was too loud for a romantic dinner

Vivid describes something that is very bright and clear, often used in a positive sense to indicate richness in color or imagery.

• The painting was filled with vivid colors
• She had a vivid imagination that brought her stories to life

Refers to something that is excessively bright, flashy, or showy to the point of being tasteless or tacky. Often has a negative connotation.

• Her dress was so gaudy that it hurt my eyes.
• The decorations were gaudy, with bright neon colors everywhere.

Describes a display that is lavish and often overly expensive. Can imply wastefulness or an unnecessary expenditure of resources. It can have a negative connotation depending on the context.

• The wedding featured an extravagant display of fireworks.
• They criticized the CEO for the extravagant display of wealth at his party.

Indicates an overly elaborate or pretentious display intended to impress others. Often has a negative connotation as it implies vanity or a lack of subtlety.

• Their housewarming party turned into an ostentatious show of wealth.
• Her jewelry was an ostentatious show that many found off-putting.

Refers to a show or presentation that is very lively, colorful, and intended to attract attention. Generally has a positive or neutral connotation, depending on the manner and context.

• The circus provided a flamboyant exhibition of acrobatics.
• His flamboyant exhibition of dancing impressed everyone at the event.