bravado
noun
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Displays of bravado may be show-offish, daring, reckless, and inconsistent with good sense—take, for example, the spectacular feats of stuntpeople—but when successful, they are still likely to be met with shouts of "bravo!" Celebrities, political leaders, corporate giants, and schoolyard bullies, however, may show a different flavor of bravado: one that suggests an overbearing boldness that comes from arrogance or from being in a position of power. The word bravado originally comes from the Italian adjective bravo, meaning "wild" or "courageous," which English can also thank for the more common brave.
Examples of bravado in a Sentence
Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 23 Jan. 2026
The bravado made many laugh, including Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who has watched the press conference several times since then.
—Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2026
Since Aries are known for their bravado and eagerness to win, Max’s vibe aligns with the overall way the Fire sign asserts its strength and power.
—Lisa Stardust, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
Brash bravado when extreme caution is required can be fatal.
—Dana Kelley, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bravado
Cite this Entry
“Bravado.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bravado. Accessed 28 Jan. 2026.
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bravado
noun
