oomph

noun

ˈu̇m(p)f 

1

: personal charm or magnetism : glamour

2

: sex appeal

3

: punch, vitality

Synonyms of oomph

• vigor
• energy
• juice
• pep
• dynamism

Examples of oomph in a Sentence

The plot of the story lacks oomph.

The truck doesn't have the oomph to haul the boat.

Recent Examples on the Web

Use the powder to add oomph to popcorn, tang to poultry marinades, or to swish into pasta, or reconstitute it with water to use like regular buttermilk. —Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026

This casting also gives more oomph to the musical’s love quadrilateral, which pairs Queenie and Burrs with a B-couple, the rising star Kate (the ever-magnetic Adrienne Warren) and her escort, Black (an exceptionally suave Jelani Alladin), who are here both darker-skinned. —Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2026

Here, a guest pairs a statement trench with dainty heels, letting a colorful leather clutch add just the right amount of oomph. —Amanda Le, InStyle, 4 Mar. 2026

Riders who might like more oomph aboard Galacticoaster should finagle seats on the back row, which experiences a touch more whip action. —Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

imitative of a sound made under exertion

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1