tawdry
adjective | /tawdry/
Advanced WordsMEDIUM
showy but cheap and of poor quality
tawdry
adjective | /tawdry/
Advanced WordsMEDIUMshowy but cheap and of poor quality
Learning Progress
Synonyms
gaudyflashygarishloudcheap
Antonyms
tastefulsophisticatedelegantrefined
Examples
"The market sold tawdry souvenirs covered in glitter."
"He regretted the tawdry necklace he had bought on impulse."
Mnemonic Trick
TAWDRY → TAW (trinket) + DRY: think cheap trinket sold at fairs.
Etymology
Originally from 'Saint Audrey' (tawdry) fairs, later sense became 'cheap showy.'
Now means flashy and of poor taste.
Source: Advanced WordsAdded: 9/15/2025
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