gaudy

2 entries found for gaudy.
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gaudy[1,adjective] gaudy[2,noun]

Main Entry: ¹gau·dy
Pronunciation: 'go-dE, 'gä-
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): gaud·i·er; -est
1 : ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented
2 : marked by extravagance or sometimes tasteless showiness : OUTLANDISH <gaudy lies> <gaudy claims>; also : EXCEPTIONAL <a gaudy batting average>
- gaud·i·ly /'go-d&-lE, 'gä-/ adverb
- gaud·i·ness /'go-dE-n&s, 'gä-/ noun
synonyms GAUDY, TAWDRY, GARISH, FLASHY, MERETRICIOUS mean vulgarly or cheaply showy. GAUDY implies a tasteless use of overly bright, often clashing colors or excessive ornamentation <circus performers in gaudy costumes>. TAWDRY applies to what is at once gaudy and cheap and sleazy <tawdry saloons>. GARISH describes what is distressingly or offensively bright <garish neon signs>. FLASHY implies an effect of brilliance quickly and easily seen to be shallow or vulgar <a flashy nightclub act>. MERETRICIOUS stresses falsity and may describe a tawdry show that beckons with a false allure or promise <a meretricious wasteland of casinos and bars>.