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Synonyms

showmanship

American  
[shoh-muhn-ship] / ˈʃoʊ mənˌʃɪp /

noun

  1. the skill or ability of a showman.

Etymology

Origin of showmanship

First recorded in 1855–60; showman + -ship

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Far-right media personalities are adept at commanding attention with showmanship and swagger.

From Salon • Mar. 10, 2026

But now this one act of pure showmanship has become the electrifying coda of Malinin’s programs as he stakes his claim as the greatest figure skater of all time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 10, 2026

It mirrors Pimblett's fight-night routine, where as soon as he steps inside the octagon, the showmanship and charisma disappear to be replaced by focus and maturity.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

He sits straight, eyes bright, maintaining contact with subtle showmanship.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 24, 2025

She was accustomed to the kind of fiery preaching that the church offered, the extremes of showmanship and drama, but one day, she thought, they crossed a line.

From "Zeitoun" by Dave Eggers

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.