showstopping
Halting all attention
Showstopping describes something so impressive it could halt a performance for applause—a showstopper.
A showstopping dress turns heads.
A showstopping performance leaves the audience stunned.
The word carries theatrical flair even in ordinary contexts: Her showstopping entrance changed the mood of the whole party.
Extremely surprising or impressive
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
- breathtakingAstonishingly beautiful or exciting
- awe-inspiringEvoking reverential wonder
- astoundingShockingly impressive
magnificent · spectacular · dazzling · remarkable · extraordinary · phenomenal · incredible · amazing
Manhattan theatrical district
- marqueeTheater entrance canopy
- musicalSung theatrical production
- revueMusical variety entertainment
- spectacleVisually striking event
extravaganza · production · choreography · costume · stage · curtain · proscenium · premiere
Audience-demanded extra performance
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
- finaleConcluding part of performance
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
debut · soloist · headliner · crowd-pleaser · bravura · centerpiece · crescendo · climax
Holding attention completely
- rivetingCompletely holding one's attention
- powerfulHaving great strength
- emotionalShowing strong feelings
- intenseExtreme in degree
poignant · heart-wrenching · spellbinding · captivating · electrifying · thrilling · mesmerizing · enthralling
jaw-dropping
Extremely surprising or impressive
- stunningExtremely impressive or beautiful
- breathtakingAstonishingly beautiful or exciting
- awe-inspiringEvoking reverential wonder
astounding · magnificent · spectacular · dazzling · remarkable · extraordinary · phenomenal · incredible · amazing · striking
Broadway
Manhattan theatrical district
spectacle · extravaganza · production · choreography · costume · stage · curtain · proscenium · premiere · backstage
encore
Audience-demanded extra performance
- applauseCollective hand-clapping approval
- finaleConcluding part of performance
- spotlightConcentrated illumination source
virtuoso · debut · soloist · headliner · crowd-pleaser · bravura · centerpiece · crescendo · climax · knockout
gripping
Holding attention completely
- rivetingCompletely holding one's attention
- powerfulHaving great strength
- emotionalShowing strong feelings
intense · poignant · heart-wrenching · spellbinding · captivating · electrifying · thrilling · mesmerizing · enthralling · pulse-pounding
unforgettable
Permanently fixed in memory
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- legendaryFamous beyond ordinary measure
- landmarkNotable point of reference
signature · timeless · indelible · classic · historic · defining · pivotal · seminal · monumental · buzzworthy
showstoppingforgettable
Unlikely to be recalled
unremarkable · unimpressive · underwhelming · unmemorable · ho-hum
showstoppingmediocre
Of only moderate quality
subpar · poor · second-rate · inferior · amateurish
showstoppingdull
Lacking edge or interest
boring · tedious · yawn-inducing · sleep-inducing · tiresome
stopped, stopping, nonstop, stops, stoppage, unstoppable, showstopper, show-stopper, show-stopping