Garish

Garish describes something excessively bright, showy, or elaborate, often to the point of being gaudy or tasteless. It implies a lack of refinement and good taste, frequently overwhelming the viewer with its ostentatious display. The term suggests a cheap or vulgar quality, emphasizing an attempt to attract attention that ultimately backfires due to its excessive nature. It is a subjective term, varying depending on cultural context and individual preferences, yet universally conveys the idea of an overblown and potentially offensive visual or sensory experience. It could relate to a physical item like a dress, as well as a sound or idea or anything in between that is over the top.

Garish meaning with examples

• The interior decorator made the unfortunate choice of painting the dining room in a garish, neon green. The bright, almost fluorescent hue clashed violently with the antique furniture and created a headache-inducing atmosphere. It became clear that the goal was to make it stand out; however, it was in the worst possible way possible. Guests always commented on its jarring and ultimately unsuccessful presentation; it left them feeling disoriented and uncomfortable.
• She wore a garish sequined dress to the awards ceremony, covered in flashing colors that seemed to scream for attention. Although she may have thought it made her the center of attention, the ensemble appeared rather out of place with the other guests' more subtle and elegant attire. The overwhelming number of sequins reflected all the light, creating an effect that overshadowed her and was ultimately a fashion misstep, failing to enhance her presence.
• The casino's neon sign was so garish that it seemed to dominate the entire street. The flashing lights, coupled with the loud, repetitive jingles, and overly-detailed imagery created an unpleasant sensory overload. The sheer visual assault of the signage and advertising made the experience of walking past the casino an exhausting endeavor. It detracted from the atmosphere in the rest of the city, becoming a source of irritation for those who had to contend with its loud showiness.
• His attempt to write a novel that was garish in style, was filled with unnecessary metaphors and over-the-top descriptions, making it quite difficult to read. The writing, intended to be profound, ultimately came across as clumsy and pretentious, a case of trying too hard to impress. The excessive use of flowery language and sensationalized plot twists resulted in a story that lacked genuine substance, thus rendering the experience unrewarding for the reader.