Standard Lemma guide

showstopper

noun · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A performance or segment of a theatrical production that induces a positive audience reaction strong enough to pause the production.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Any impediment that prevents all further progress.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

Any impediment that prevents all further progress.

A software bug that must be fixed before any further development is possible.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Topics: computing, engineering, mathematics, natural-sciences, physical-sciences, sciences

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: blocker

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

something that is strikingly attractive or has great popular appeal

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • she has a show-stopper of a smile
  • the brilliant orange flowers against the green foliage were a showstopper

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: show-stopper

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: attraction, attractiveness

5

noun

Meaning 5

an act so striking or impressive that the show must be delayed until the audience quiets down

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: show-stopper, stopper

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: act, routine, number, turn, bit

History

Etymology

From show + stopper.

Across languages

Translations

25 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Dutch: succesnummer — (in theatrical production)
  • Finnish: menestysesitys — (in theatrical production)
  • German: Showstopper — (in theatrical production)
  • Italian: strappa applausi — (in theatrical production)
  • Italian: gran numero — (in theatrical production)
  • Italian: uno schianto — (in theatrical production)
  • Italian: numero eccezionale — (in theatrical production)
  • Italian: esibizione fantastica — (in theatrical production)
  • Italian: applausi a scena aperta — (in theatrical production)
  • Russian: шоу-сто́ппер (šou-stópper) — (in theatrical production)
  • Finnish: välitön este — impediment to progress
  • French: clap de fin — impediment to progress
  • German: KO-Kriterium — impediment to progress
  • German: K.O.-Kriterium — impediment to progress
  • German: Ausschlusskriterium — impediment to progress
  • German: Showstopper — impediment to progress
  • Italian: intoppo — impediment to progress
  • Italian: ostacolo — impediment to progress
  • Italian: falla — impediment to progress
  • Italian: impedimento — impediment to progress
  • Russian: препя́тствие (prepjátstvije) — impediment to progress
  • Russian: поме́ха (poméxa) — impediment to progress
  • Ukrainian: зава́да (zaváda) — impediment to progress
  • Ukrainian: перешко́да (pereškóda) — impediment to progress
  • Ukrainian: перепо́на (perepóna) — impediment to progress