oomph

noun

ˈu̇m(p)f 

1

: personal charm or magnetism : glamour

2

: sex appeal

3

: punch, vitality

Synonyms of oomph

• vigor
• energy
• pep
• juice
• 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

The character is written to be very likable and worthy of respect, and Jodie Whittaker brings a really effective extra oomph of warmth and humor to her performance that makes her consistent refusals to accept Kate’s proposals even more striking. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026

Advanced metrics suggest Dobbins isn’t even getting the yards he’s expected to, let alone generating extra oomph. — Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 9 Oct. 2026

This time, however, the rocket’s massive upper stage squeezed out some extra oomph from its Raptor engines and accelerated to orbital velocity, Ars reports. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026

Giving it some extra oomph was a statement brooch in turquoise resin beads and crystal across the vamp. — Katie Abel, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

imitative of a sound made under exertion

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1