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Definition of garish

garish

/ˈɡɛr.ɪʃ/
gar · ish
Adverb:garishly
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garish Lexical Profile

garish Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Obtrusively bright and showy; excessively ornate, flashy, or tastelessly colorful.

Example

"The historic theater had been renovated with garish neon lights and loud, clashing carpets."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for garish

• Nearby Words

gargoyle
gargoyle gecko
garibaldi
garish
garishly
garland
garland flower

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the mid-16th century, probably derived from the obsolete Middle English verb 'gaure' (meaning to stare or gape), combined with the suffix '-ish'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Garish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/garish
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