Synonyms of bombastic

bombastic

adjective

bäm-ˈba-stik 

as in rhetorical

marked by the use of impressive-sounding but mostly meaningless words and phrases

a bombastic speech intended to impress the voters in her congressional district

Synonyms & Similar Words

• rhetorical
• inflated
• pontifical
• grandiloquent
• gaseous
• oratorical
• ornate
• flatulent
• gassy
• fustian
• grandiose
• windy
• pretentious
• orotund
• turgid
• pompous
• florid
• bloated
• flowery
• elevated
• stilted
• lofty
• high-sounding
• wordy
• verbose
• high-flown
• tumid
• highfalutin
• overdone

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• eloquent
• direct
• simple
• plain
• matter-of-fact
• unrhetorical
• straightforward
• unadorned
• unaffected
• bald
• stark
• unpretentious
• well-spoken
• plainspoken

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of bombastic

Half of those surveyed said Trump’s desire to stand up to Carney isn’t worth the cost, and 44 percent believe that the bombastic president’s tough trade stance could not only raise prices, but risk American jobs. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026

Tasked with shepherding his major stars through bombastic performances, Fern’s directing lacks focus. — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026

Compared with other mega-chain coffee purveyors, Dutch Bros’ menu skews more bombastic and creative. — Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026

Sure enough, during our interview, her answers betray a bombastic staccato honed on the stump. — Charlie Campbell, Time, 11 Aug. 2026