Definition

Noun: 1. Tasteless or gaudy showiness; flashy attractiveness that lacks genuine quality or substance. Refers to something that is superficially attractive but actually cheap, vulgar, or deceptive in its appeal. 2. A false or deceptive appearance of truth, value, or plausibility; speciousness. Refers to an argument, claim, or presentation that seems plausible or attractive on the surface but is fundamentally flawed or insincere.

Usage and Examples

• The meretriciousness of the casino's decor, with its bright neon lights and fake gold, was overwhelming.
• Critics dismissed the politician's speech as pure meretriciousness, full of emotional appeals but devoid of factual substance.
• The meretriciousness of the advertisement promised luxury, but the product was poorly made.

Advanced Usage

• "The meretriciousness of...": A common construction used to criticize the flashy, deceptive quality of something.
  • The meretriciousness of the film's special effects could not hide its weak plot.

Variants and Related Words

• Meretricious (adjective): Having the quality of meretriciousness; tastelessly showy or deceptively attractive.
  • They were fooled by the meretricious charms of the salesperson.
• Speciousness (noun): Superficial plausibility that is misleading. This is a close synonym, especially for the second definition concerning false arguments.

Synonyms

• Gaudiness
• Flashiness
• Tawdriness
• Garishness
• Speciousness
• Deceptiveness

Antonyms

• Genuineness
• Authenticity
• Elegance
• Simplicity
• Sincerity
• Substantiality

Noun

1. tasteless showiness
2. an appearance of truth that is false or deceptive; seeming plausibility
   • the speciousness of his argument