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
Zac Anderson, USA Today, 12 June 2026
In other words, the poise, verve and bravado displayed by the models were part of the activism that was on display – not merely a front for a larger cause.
—Eileen G'sell, The Conversation, 8 June 2026
With exclusive behind-the-scenes footage of Holmes and her devoted followers, Out for Blood is a rich, compelling cautionary tale about the dangerous game of corporate greed and flawed bravado.
—James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 4 June 2026
Three days after the storm, the Herald reported many streets had been cleared of debris, boards placed over shattered winds, gas restored and even some water service running — though George said some of that was false bravado pushed by business owners and the tourism industry.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 3 June 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 19 Jun. 2026.
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bravado
noun
