pompous

adjective

pomp·ous | \ ˈpäm-pəs

Definition of pompous

1 : excessively elevated or ornate pompous rhetoric

2 : having or exhibiting self-importance : arrogant a pompous politician

3 : relating to or suggestive of pomp or splendor : magnificent

Other Words from pompous Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about pompous

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Examples of pompous in a Sentence

So as the pictures of flooded shanties flicker by on cable news, uptight neatnik Midwestern Lutherans and sensitive northeastern urban sophisticates and pompous media grandees on both coasts express shock at the unexpected squalor of the poverty and bafflement over the slovenly corruption of the civic institutions. — Rob Long, National Review, 26 Sept. 2005 President Warren Harding was an orator, but his bloviations were an army of pompous phrases moving across the landscape in search of an idea. — Harold Evans, New York Times Book Review, 11 Nov. 2001 She never allowed her spirit to become, as, say, Henry Adams did, curdled by long exposure to Washington's tawdry and pompous aspects. — George F. Will, Newsweek, 24 May 1999 She found it difficult to talk about her achievements without sounding pompous. the pompous waiter served us in the manner of a person doing some poor soul a great favor

Recent Examples on the Web

King Lear is the basic structure, if that doesn’t sound too pompous, but with magic wands. — Laura Hudson, The Verge, "Netflix shares a trailer for its first comic book," 30 May 2018 Unbeknownst to her, pompous gods of island make bet over which is stronger, love or death - stakes being girl's life. — Rasputin Todd, Cincinnati.com, "Things to do in Cincinnati this week: June 18-24," 18 June 2018 The Department of Justice is investigating Andrew McCabe now after an Obama appointed IG made a criminal referral, and pompous Cardinal Comey is now being investigated for leaking classified information. — Fox News, "Rep. Devin Nunes on possible charges for McCabe, Comey memos," 22 Apr. 2018 Jordan will clearly take a Chad-like role as pompous villain. — Rebecca Farley, refinery29.com, "The Bachelorette Season 14 Premiere Recap: Not Gonna Say It," 29 May 2018 To some, Kim’s tone had come off as pompous and dismissive. — Jasmine Sanders, The Cut, "Why Is Kim Kardashian Feuding With One of Kanye West’s Collaborators?," 29 May 2018 Viewers have seen his odious, pompous side and whip-fast dialogue in characters like Sherlock Holmes and Marvel's Doctor Strange, but in Melrose his abrasiveness is defensive, and his bad behavior (at points) drug-fueled. — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, "Review: In 'Patrick Melrose,' Benedict Cumberbatch is raw, messy and better than ever," 9 May 2018 His private secretary, public school and Oxbridge, struck him as pompous. — The Economist, "Michael Martin (Lord Martin of Springburn) died on April 29th," 3 May 2018 Even beyond her mostly nonwhite classroom, disdain for her flourishes among her fellow teachers and their pompous principal (Romain Duris), who hints darkly of termination. — Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times, "Review: Zapped by Lightning, a French Teacher Becomes ‘Mrs. Hyde’," 26 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pompous.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of pompous was in the 15th century

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More Definitions for pompous

pompous

adjective

English Language Learners Definition of pompous

: having or showing the attitude of people who speak and behave in a very formal and serious way because they believe that they are better, smarter, or more important than other people

See the full definition for pompous in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pompous

adjective

pomp·ous | \ ˈpäm-pəs