bombastic

adjective

bom·​bas·​tic bäm-ˈba-stik 

: marked by or given to speech or writing that is given exaggerated importance by artificial or empty means : marked by or given to bombast : pompous, overblown

The spots that ran before the title game were even more bombastic: "The greatest rivalry ever …"

—Franz Lidz

bombastically

bäm-ˈba-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms of bombastic

• rhetorical
• inflated
• pontifical

Examples of bombastic in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

His music was defiant and bombastic, and critics and fans alike regarded him as a kind of pop messiah. — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

bombast + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bombastic

• aplastic
• dynastic
• dysplastic
• elastic
• fantastic
• gymnastic
• monastic
• sarcastic
• scholastic
• silastic
• stochastic
• aeroelastic