showstopper
noun
show·stop·per
ˈshō-ˌstä-pər 
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
Synonyms
Examples of showstopper in a Sentence
at the modeling agency everyone was a showstopper
Recent Examples on the Web
While the Yellow Rose is the showstopper, the rest of the auction is laden with stunning pieces from some of the biggest jewelers in the world, as well as impressive gems of all colors.
—
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 May 2024
Who gets invited to the Met Gala? Zendaya, Rihanna, Jared Leto and Colman Domingo have been amongst the recent Met Gala showstoppers.
—Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024
As cochair of the event, Zendaya had an especially big night, stepping out in not one but two showstoppers.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 7 May 2024
The showstopper version, inspired by a cloudlike soufflé, features a lemon-scented sugar sprinkled on top.
—Melissa Clark, New York Times, 7 May 2024
Ralph Lauren for Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty in 2023
Lopez was a showstopper in this look from Ralph Lauren.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 May 2024
Here’s more to know about Monday’s celestial showstopper: What’s a total solar eclipse?
—Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2024
But the true showstopper on board is sure to be the Funnel Suite.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2024
Best Things to Do Big Talbot Island State Park
Big Talbot Island State Park is home to black skimmers, endangered wood storks, and ospreys, but the real showstopper here is Boneyard Beach, one of the most beautiful places in Florida.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024
Tori Latham, Robb Report, 14 May 2024
Who gets invited to the Met Gala? Zendaya, Rihanna, Jared Leto and Colman Domingo have been amongst the recent Met Gala showstoppers.
—Naledi Ushe, USA TODAY, 7 May 2024
As cochair of the event, Zendaya had an especially big night, stepping out in not one but two showstoppers.
—Kathleen Walsh, Glamour, 7 May 2024
The showstopper version, inspired by a cloudlike soufflé, features a lemon-scented sugar sprinkled on top.
—Melissa Clark, New York Times, 7 May 2024
Ralph Lauren for Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty in 2023
Lopez was a showstopper in this look from Ralph Lauren.
—Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 May 2024
Here’s more to know about Monday’s celestial showstopper: What’s a total solar eclipse?
—Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2024
But the true showstopper on board is sure to be the Funnel Suite.
—Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2024
Best Things to Do Big Talbot Island State Park
Big Talbot Island State Park is home to black skimmers, endangered wood storks, and ospreys, but the real showstopper here is Boneyard Beach, one of the most beautiful places in Florida.
—Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'showstopper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near showstopper
Cite this Entry
“Showstopper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/showstopper. Accessed 19 May. 2024.
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