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

• rhetoric
• rhetorical

Examples of bombastic in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples on the Web

From the podium, Guerrero allayed the overture’s bombastic writing with a buoyant, supple spirit. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025

The music, intimate and bombastic, grounded and soaring, was goosebump-inducing and transcendent, giving emotional resonance to the awe of becoming friends with a dragon or the raw thrill of riding one. —Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025

The View From Democrats Democrats on both sides of the Capitol sound eager to work with Republicans to rein in Palantir, which is known for its secrecy and the occasionally bombastic rhetoric of its leadership. —Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 5 June 2025

These are the things that make a leader, not some bombastic strategy announcement. —Ayaskant Sarangi, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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