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show-stopper

show-stopper

1 5.1
A thing that looks very impressive and gets a lot of attention
  • noun
  • /ˈʃoʊˌstɑːpər/
translation icon : atracción
  • The magician's final trick was such a brilliant show-stopper that the audience erupted in applause.

Examples

  • And another big show stopper last night, Beyoncé, who wore a rubber dress that was beaded for her pleasure.

  • Red geraniums like that is the show stopper right there.

  • Yeah, I mean, sorry, that's that's a show stopper cat right there with that haircut.

  • Hasselback Potatoes with Spinach Cashew Cream are a total show-stopper.

    Blog text (4)
  • The new smartphone model has become a real show-stopper with its stunning design and innovative features.

  • During the fashion show, her outfit was a true show-stopper, capturing everyone's attention on the runway.

Synonyms

knockout
vsshow-stopper
  • Informal
22 4.8

A very attractive person, often a woman who gets attention

is not limited by gender and includes strong public appeal beyond looks
standout
vsshow-stopper
21 3.8

A person or thing much more impressive than others in a group

focuses more on striking appeal or wide popular attraction rather than comparison
the star of the show
vsshow-stopper
13 3.0

A person or thing that stands out in a performance

emphasizes striking attractiveness or wide appeal rather than event prominence
showstopper
vsshow-stopper
7 5.7

Something very impressive that makes people stop and look

is broader, used for striking appeal or wide popular attraction
stunner
vsshow-stopper
  • Informal
5 6.7

A very attractive woman who people notice

is gender neutral and refers more broadly to striking appeal or popularity
corker
vsshow-stopper
  • Archaic
2 9.9

A person or thing that is very good and surprising

is more modern and stresses striking appeal and wide popular attraction
head-turner
vsshow-stopper
  • Informal
2 5.6

A person or thing that looks very attractive and makes people turn to look

covers that striking noticeability but also includes wider popular fame or appeal
dazzler
vsshow-stopper
1 4.5

A person or thing that stands out because it is very impressive

is broader, adding general popular appeal beyond just brilliance or skill
eye-catcher
vsshow-stopper
1 4.1

A person or thing that is easy to notice and attracts attention

extends that noticeability to wider public appeal and strong impression
real stunner
vsshow-stopper
  • Informal
1 5.1

A very attractive person or thing that makes people stop and look

is similar but can also mean general popular appeal beyond attractiveness
fascinator
vsshow-stopper
1 7.9

Someone or something that attracts strong attention and admiration

is similar but emphasizes broad popular appeal and general impressiveness
smasher
vsshow-stopper
  • Archaic
1 6.5

A very big success, like a popular film

focuses more on striking attractiveness or popularity as an object or person
bute
vsshow-stopper
  • Slang
9.9

A person or thing that looks very attractive and impressive

is similar but is neutral and not necessarily slang in tone

How Impressive

show-stopper
1 5.1
spectacle
68 4.2
attraction
88 2.1

Surface Forms

show-stopper singular
show-stoppers plural

Morphology

show-stopper = show + stopper (semi-transparent) = show + stopp + er

The immediate compound 'show stopper' is a straightforward combination of 'show' and 'stopper'.

Etymology

Show-stopper combines show and stopper; it began in theatre when a great act 'stopped' the show because the audience clapped for a long time. So it now means something so impressive it draws everyone's attention.