Definition

Noun: 1. An act or performance that is so impressive it causes a temporary halt in the show due to prolonged applause or audience reaction. 2. Something that is strikingly attractive, impressive, or has great popular appeal.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Impressive Performance):
  • The singer's final high note was a show-stopper that brought the audience to its feet.
  • The ballet solo in the second act is always the show-stopper of the evening.
• Noun (Strikingly Attractive Thing):
  • Her emerald necklace was the absolute show-stopper of the gala.
  • The new sports car's design is a real show-stopper.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a show-stopper": Used to describe something that dominates attention and admiration.
  • His proposal wasn't just good; it was a show-stopper that won over the entire committee.
• The term can be used metaphorically outside of entertainment to describe anything that halts progress due to being an insurmountable problem or a point of awe.
  • The legal issue they discovered was a potential show-stopper for the deal.

Variants and Related Words

• Showstopping (adj): Having the quality of a show-stopper; spectacular.
  • She gave a showstopping performance.
• Showstopper is often spelled as one word: showstopper.

Synonyms

• Sensation: Something that causes great excitement and interest.
• Showpiece: An item or example considered outstanding and used for exhibition.
• Crowd-pleaser: Something that is certain to please an audience.
• Deal-breaker (for the "problem" connotation): A factor that causes an arrangement to fail.

Related Idioms

• "To stop the show": To give a performance so good it interrupts the performance with applause.
  • The young violinist stopped the show with her passionate solo.
• "To steal the show": To attract the most attention and praise, often away from the main subject.
  • Even though he had a small role, the comedian stole the show.

Noun

1. something that is strikingly attractive or has great popular appeal
   • she has a show-stopper of a smile
   • the brilliant orange flowers against the green foliage were a showstopper
2. an act so striking or impressive that the show must be delayed until the audience quiets down