FRILLY Synonyms: 46 Similar and Opposite Words

frilly

adjective

Definition of frilly

as in showy

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of frilly Put a pretty chic twist on the raver aesthetic with a frilly tutu. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 30 July 2026 Ava Max steps out in the New York City neighborhood of East Village on July 17, in a quirky look of an oversized hat an frilly shirt. — People Staff, PEOPLE, 18 July 2026 This frilly stripe and solid one-piece is almost too pretty to get wet. — Jessica Benavides Canepa, Travel + Leisure, 16 July 2026 Interestingly, her bandmate Tzuyu’s frilly bloomers with garter-type ties did not fan flames on social media. — Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 Plant species with contrasting textures, such as frilly ferns with the large, bold leaves of hosta. — Luke Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 June 2026 The analog girl in a digital world took the stage on Sunday evening to close out the festival wearing what looked like a mushroom cap on her head, accented by a frilly, droopy outfit that looked like it was designed by psilocybin. — Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 1 June 2026 My clothes, a mountain range of frilly skirts, dark jeans, and long-sleeve dresses on my bedroom floor. — Literary Hub, 18 May 2026 Blooming over a long season, the fragrant, frilly blooms draw Gulf Fritillary and other butterfly species to the garden. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 16 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for frilly

Adjective

Rather, the mission of Our Rescue, which used to be known as Operation Underground Railroad, is to save individuals from human-trafficking rings, often through showy sting operations.

— Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 15 Aug. 2026
Seline, a 14- to 17-course epicurean adventure told through seasonal and regional ingredients, innovative techniques and showy plating that makes use of bones, antlers and bowls within bowls, has been racking up accolades in 2026.

— Carrie Bell, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of showy

Adjective

Ric Flair is known for his flamboyant promos and extravagant pro wrestling career that included several world championship runs across multiple promotions at his peak.

— Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 10 Aug. 2026
The flamboyant decor is not only representative of the V&A’s collections, but also eminently practical, designed to be easy to clean and resistant to fire, steam, and cooking smells.

— Amy Bradford, Architectural Digest, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of flamboyant

Adjective

Corey Holland, Kamarie’s father, said his daughter was an exuberant 5-year-old who loved princesses and made people laugh.

— ABC News, ABC News, 13 Aug. 2026
This means a skeptic who fought the crowd by sitting out the exuberant, bear-gutting rally of late-2020 to late-2021 was redeemed and granted an allotment of bragging rights (which expired almost immediately).

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of exuberant

Adjective

His informal getup, a T-shirt and shorts, contrasts with the elegant environment primed for business lunches and ostentatious dinners.

— Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Decorated with cool gray tones, marble and leather accents, and crisp white bedding, the rooms feel upscale but not ostentatious.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026

Definition of ostentatious

Adjective

Serra’s immersive event, a rapture of colors and shadows, pays fittingly grandiose tribute to an emissary of a legendary cinematic era.

— Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
The Rays, meanwhile, may be leading the American League East, but their postseason outlook is not as grandiose as Los Angeles.

— John Romano, The Orlando Sentinel, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of grandiose

Adjective

But the action is so dependent on overwrought dialogue, red herrings, titillating close-ups, and a barrage of throwback songs that the story constantly takes a backseat.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026
One plays on the name of the crew’s hangout, Hamburger Hamlet, drawing Murphy-ish parallels between the characters and Shakespeare’s tragic personages that are so overwrought, they can’t be salvaged by self-awareness.

— Judy Berman, Time, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of overwrought

Adjective

The five-night yacht voyages combine access to historic sites along the river and elegant, luxurious accommodations.

— Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026
Featuring romantic bell sleeves, an elegant boat neckline, and an adjustable back cinch detail, this figure-forming top looks flattering on just about everyone.

— Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of elegant

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frills

frilly

fringe

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“Frilly.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/frilly. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of frilly

adjective

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