garish
Adjective
Hard difficulty
What does “garish” mean?
adjective.obtrusively bright and showy; lurid.
SAT Usage
this word often appears in passages discussing art, fashion, or cultural critiques, emphasizing excessive or tasteless flamboyance. It suggests a negative connotation of over-the-top aesthetics that distract or overwhelm, distinguishing it from words like "vivid," which may have a more neutral or positive implication regarding brightness and clarity.
Common Confusions
Garish implies an excessive and tasteless brightness that overwhelms, while vibrant usually suggests a lively and appealing brightness that enhances rather than distracts.
Do not choose garish if the context emphasizes subtlety or understatement rather than obtrusively bright and showy; lurid.
Example Sentences
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The dress fits her well, but the pattern is rather garish.
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The garish poster clashed with the muted decor.