Simple Definition of grandiose

from our Learner's Dictionary

grandiose

adjective

ˈgrændiˌoʊs How to pronounce grandiose (audio)
disapproving : seeming to be impressive or intended to be impressive but not really possible or practical
He was full of grandiose ideas.
grandiose plans/schemes

Cite this Entry

“Grandiose.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/grandiose. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on grandiose

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for grandiose

Nglish: Translation of grandiose for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Entry added

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Your vs. You're: How to Use Them Correctly
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Longest Long Words List

The Words of the Week - Jul. 31

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Dutch Treat and French Leave: Eight Place-Based Compounds

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
asap street sign
Figure Out These Acronyms ASAP You don't have to be a NASA engineer to get these...
See All