ostentation

noun

os·​ten·​ta·​tion ˌä-stən-ˈtā-shən 

1

: excessive display : vain and unnecessary show especially for the purpose of attracting attention, admiration, or envy : pretentiousness

She dresses stylishly without ostentation.

an aesthetic preference for function over ostentation

—Wendell Garrett

their ostentation of new wealth and their prodigality with it

—Mark Sullivan

2

archaic : an act of displaying

Synonyms of ostentation

• pomp
• ornamentation
• spectacle
• flamboyance
• decoration
• glitz
• luxuriance
• ostentatiousness
• luxuriousness
• gaudiness
• showiness
• pretentiousness
• garishness
• flashiness
• swank

Examples of ostentation in a Sentence

The actress avoids ostentation. She owns a small house and drives an inexpensive car.

He writes simply and clearly and without ostentation.

Recent Examples on the Web

The lack of ostentation is in line with my impression of the surgeon himself. — Mary Roach, Wired News, 10 Nov. 2025

Ligure is a charming Riviera town that offers elegance without ostentation. — Joanne Shurvell, Forbes.com, 20 Jan. 2026

Formula 1 has Monaco, with its ostentation and air of exclusivity. — Jonathan Hawkins, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025

This gesture contrasts in the central avenue of Vassilissis Sofia, with the ostentation of the immediate official buildings, where the flags are flying full. — Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 18 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ostentacion "display meant to evoke admiration," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin ostentātiōn-, ostentātiō "act of displaying, excessive display," from ostentāre "to hold up to view, display, show ostentatiously, flourish" (frequentative of ostendere "to hold out for inspection, show, demonstrate") + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at ostensible

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for ostentation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

ostentation

noun

os·​ten·​ta·​tion ˌäs-tən-ˈtā-shən 

: unnecessary show to attract attention, admiration, or envy