# swanky

/ˈswɑŋki/ (US) · /swˈæŋki/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/swanky
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

fancy and expensive-looking in a showy way. You use it for places, clothes, or parties that look rich and stylish.

For teachers: stylishly luxurious and expensive in appearance, often with an implication of showiness or ostentation.

## Examples

- They live in a swanky apartment in the city center.
- For our anniversary we booked a swanky rooftop restaurant with great views and live music.
- Despite its swanky lobby with marble floors and soft lighting, the hotel struggled to hide the tired rooms waiting behind its polished doors.

## Synonyms

Fancy, posh, luxurious, elegant, stylish, classy, upscale

## Antonyms

cheap, plain, shabby, modest

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies; predicative use after 'look' or 'feel' is also common.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.