tawdry
12 synonyms and 1 antonym for tawdry, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Cheap-looking and showy; gaudy in a low-quality way.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use tawdry
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
tawdry affair
tawdry decorations
tawdry details
Etymology
Shortened from "tawdry lace," originally "Saint Audrey's lace" — cheap necklaces sold to pilgrims at fairs honouring the English saint; once the fashion faded, the word came to mean "cheap and gaudy."
Full origin of tawdry →Frequently asked questions
What does “tawdry” mean?
The word “tawdry” means cheap-looking and showy; gaudy in a low-quality way. In plain terms, cheaply flashy, or sordid — used for gaudy objects and for shabby, scandalous behaviour alike.
How do you pronounce “tawdry”?
“Tawdry” is pronounced TAWD-ree (/ˈtɔ.dɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “tawdry” in a sentence?
Here is “tawdry” used in a sentence: “She wore a tawdry sequined dress that looked better from a distance.”
What part of speech is “tawdry”?
“Tawdry” is an adjective.
How many meanings does “tawdry” have?
“Tawdry” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: cheap-looking and showy; gaudy in a low-quality way.
