oomph

noun

ˈu̇m(p)f 

1

: personal charm or magnetism : glamour

2

: sex appeal

3

: punch, vitality

Synonyms

• beans
• bounce
• brio
• dash
• drive
• dynamism
• energy
• esprit
• gas
• get-up-and-go
• ginger
• go
• gusto
• hardihood
• juice
• life
• moxie
• pep
• punch
• sap
• snap
• starch
• verve
• vigor
• vim
• vinegar
• vitality
• zing
• zip

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

While vitamin C and even some niacinamide serums can help improve your skin’s overall appearance, tackling discoloration like acne scars and sun spots requires products that pack more oomph. —Deanna Pai, Glamour, 3 June 2025

Suddenly, your sneakers will become just-right for pairing with one of the best spring dresses or wearing out to date nights and other special occasions that call for a bit more oomph style-wise. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 May 2025

For even more oomph, consider using smoky mezcal instead of blanco tequila. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 14 May 2025

How To Apply a Plumping Lip Gloss Meet The Experts According to celebrity MUA Ash K. Holm, whose makeup brushes have graced the faces of Ariana Grande and Megan Fox, plumping glosses are perfect for a temporary makeup enhancement to add some oomph to your beauty look. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

imitative of a sound made under exertion

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1