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

bombastically

bäm-ˈba-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• flatulent
• fustian
• gaseous
• gassy
• grandiloquent
• oratorical
• orotund
• rhetorical
• rhetoric
• windy

Examples of bombastic in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

My reference for him will always be The Office, that bombastic and un-self-aware human, and Steve could not be farther from that. —Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 1 May 2025

If only this film were half as funny, or bombastic. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025

After decades spent looking up at the Americans, Canada has turned the tables in its biggest soccer rivalry — although this match had no obvious political overtones after the discord created last month at the 4 Nations hockey tournament by President Donald Trump’s bombastic rhetoric and tariff war. —Greg Beacham, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025

In theaters June 6 11 of 31 Straw Although both are known for their bombastic comedy, Taraji P. Henson and director Tyler Perry have dramatic chops like the best of them, as this touching tale of a struggling single mother proves. —Jack Smart, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

bombast + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bombastic

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