1. Glittering or shining with a cheap, gaudy, or superficial brilliance; flashy but of little real value.
Usage: archaic or literary; often used to describe something that appears impressive but lacks substance

1. Tinsel or other shiny material used for cheap ornamentation; something that glitters but has little value.
Usage: archaic or literary; from French, originally referring to gold or silver thread

Examples

• The clinquant decorations on the costume caught the stage lights but looked cheap up close.
• She dismissed his promises as mere clinquant—attractive words with no substance behind them.
• The ballroom was filled with clinquant ornaments that sparkled under the chandeliers.
• His clinquant charm fooled no one who knew him well.
• The designer rejected the clinquant fabrics in favor of elegant, timeless materials.
• Medieval manuscripts sometimes featured clinquant details to make them appear more valuable.