Showboat

showboat (noun) refers to a person who seeks attention and tries to impress others by acting in a flashy or ostentatious manner. In a broader context, 'showboating' can also describe any behavior characterized by an extravagant display of talent, enthusiasm, or pride, often at the expense of modesty. The term originates from the spectacle associated with floating theaters in the 19th-century American rivers that attracted audiences through grand performances.

Showboat meaning with examples

• During the talent show, Jake couldn’t help but showboat, twirling his baton like a circus performer. Every flip and twirl was designed to catch the audience’s attention. As he showcased his abilities, some were amazed while others rolled their eyes, calling him out for needing the spotlight too much. Ultimately, his performance dazzled, but it made clear that he was more invested in being a performer than in the art itself.
• In business meetings, Lucy would often showboat her accomplishments, detailing every project she had completed with flair. Instead of focusing on the team’s successes, she monopolized conversations, ensuring everyone knew the role she played. While her skills were undeniable, her tendency to showboat left colleagues feeling overshadowed and unappreciated. They wanted a collaborative environment, but Lucy's continuous display of self-promotion disrupted that spirit.
• The athlete was known to showboat on the field, celebrating every small victory with acrobatics and excessive gestures. While fans loved the energy, opponents found her antics distracting and unsportsmanlike. In tight competitions, her showboating sometimes affected her performance negatively, as she’d focus more on entertaining rather than on the game. Though she brought excitement, it often overshadowed teamwork and seriousness, leading to mixed reactions from the audience.
• At the charity gala, the speaker began to showboat by exaggerating his past achievements, twisting stories to make them sound more impressive. It became clear that while he had good intentions in supporting a noble cause, his arrogance was off-putting. Instead of rallying support, his attempt at showboating backfired as attendees exchanged knowing glances, questioning his sincerity. It served as a reminder of how humility often carries more weight than bravado.
• During the summer musical, the lead actor tended to showboat during rehearsals, overshadowing his fellow cast members. While he had a powerful voice, he felt the need to perform every line with exaggerated gestures and flamboyant expression. Directors occasionally had to remind him that teamwork is essential. His showboating was entertaining, yet it often distracted from the play's overall flow, as others struggled to have their moments shine in the spotlight.

Showboat Synonyms

boastful, braggart, cocky, dandy, exhibitionist, flamboyant, flashy, flaunt, grandstander, loudmouthed, ostentatious person, peacock, pretentious, proud, show-off, snazzy, strut, swagger, theatrical, vainglorious

Showboat Antonyms

bashful, discreet, humble, lackluster, low-key, meek, modest, ordinary, plain, quiet, reserved, retiring, self-effacing, simple, subdued, unassuming, understated, unostentatious, unpretentious, unremarkable

Showboat Crossword Answers

9 Letters

HOTDOGGER

13 Letters

EXHIBITIONIST