vaunted

adjective

vaunt·​ed ˈvȯn-təd 

ˈvän-

: highly or widely praised or boasted about

… his own much vaunted ferocity …

—Calvin Tomkins

Did you know?

Vaunted Has Latin Roots

The verb vaunt has been used since the 15th century with the meaning “to make a vain display of one’s own worth or attainments”—in other words, “to brag or boast.” Over time, vaunt developed the meaning “to boast of (a particular thing),” as in “the promotional flier vaunts the natural beauty of the area,” and that use gave rise to the adjectival form vaunted. The history of vaunt and vaunted leads back to the Latin word vānus, with the meanings “lacking content, empty, illusory, marked by foolish or empty pride.” The word vain itself is also a descendant of vānus.

Examples of vaunted in a Sentence

The team's vaunted defense faltered in the second half of the game.

Recent Examples on the Web

Led by captain Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, its vaunted lineup has sluggers like Bryce Harper, Cal Raleigh, Kyle Schwarber, Alex Bregman and Bobby Witt Jr. —Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026

Its vaunted offense has scored the second-most runs, while its pitching staff has the lowest WHIP and the most strikeouts. —Chad Jennings, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2026

Chubb will now join a vaunted defense that includes fellow edge rusher Greg Rousseau as well as defensive tackle Ed Oliver and cornerback Christian Benford. —Miami Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

Because these vaunted specs are made with a natural substance, the process is slow. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of vaunt entry 1

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for vaunted

• daunted
• flaunted
• haunted
• taunted
• wanted
• undaunted
• unwanted

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Kids Definition

vaunted

adjective

vaunt·​ed ˈvȯnt-əd 

ˈvänt-

: much praised or boasted about

the team's vaunted offense