1
as in rhetoric
boastful speech or writing
all the bluster in the campaign speech was intended to hide a lack of specifics
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2
as in roar
loud, confused, and usually inharmonious sound
I can't work with all the bluster in here
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
a mayor who got things done without a lot of bluster and self-serving publicity
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as in to huff
to talk loudly and wildly
the rude customer blustered and yelled threats about lawsuits, but eventually left
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bluster
Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025
In his first months back in office, Trump has made clear that his vengeful threats were not simply campaign-season bluster.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
Marni Rose McFall Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
So far, the result is a blitz of mixed messages, conflicting signals and blustering threats, not unlike the way Mr. Trump and his aides talk about their ever-evolving tariff strategy.
—David E. Sanger, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bluster
Noun
Although it is widely understood that Russia's space program is in decline, the most common tactic among Russian officials is to bluster about past greatness and talk about all the new programs that are under development.
—Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025
In his first months back in office, Trump has made clear that his vengeful threats were not simply campaign-season bluster.
—Susan B. Glasser, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
Daniel Rigby as Vernon Dursley A BAFTA-winning performer (Eric and Ernie, The Witches), Rigby will play Harry's blustering Muggle uncle and husband of Petunia.
—Marni Rose McFall Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025
So far, the result is a blitz of mixed messages, conflicting signals and blustering threats, not unlike the way Mr. Trump and his aides talk about their ever-evolving tariff strategy.
—David E. Sanger, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bluster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bluster
Noun
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Beneath Nkrumah’s elaborate rhetoric, Mazrui argued, lay a simple drive to consolidate control through a one-party state that would inevitably empower only his most loyal—and least thoughtful—allies.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
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If Gorsuch and Kavanaugh have attracted blowback for their individual writings of late, on the left side of the court, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's rhetoric has also raised eyebrows for her slashing dissents.—
Nina Totenberg,
NPR,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The Grammys are not fan-voted, of course, but if they were tallied by the sound of a not-so-dull roar, Moroney might have a win in the bag.—
Chris Willman,
Variety,
6 Oct. 2025
-
Gausman released a roar from the dugout as Varland blew his fastball by Stanton.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
There’s a huge commotion around us.—
Eli Sharabi,
Time,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The K-pop contingent caused a commotion, with Blackpink’s Lisa snapping pics with Stray Kids’ Felix.—
Rhonda Richford,
Footwear News,
30 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The hugs stop and the arguments, the phone obsession, and the huffing cold shoulder starts.—
Cyndy Etler,
Hartford Courant,
28 July 2025
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Fellow porters huffing their way up a hillside; the stars twinkling above the desert sand; the layered waves of Caroline Polachek’s staggeringly beautiful title song cresting over the horizon at just the right moment.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
23 June 2025
Noun
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The president’s bombast and capriciousness have led many European countries to increase their defense spending—a positive outcome, to be sure, and not inherently at odds with the notion of a unified, geopolitical West.—
Stewart Patrick,
Foreign Affairs,
18 Sep. 2025
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Ciel Dubai Marina This record-breaking approach is emblematic of the intent and sheer bombast with which Dubai is reshaping the travel and tourism market, with a strong focus on foreign investment and wealthy visitors.—
Duncan Madden,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The final finished 14-14, but my abiding memory is the intoxicating swirl of noise and colour created by almost 93,000 fans, plus the sense of anticipation that accompanied the pre-match walk up Olympic Way.—
Richard Sutcliffe,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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After hearing noises, the couple barrelled up into the living room, naked, with Rhys brandishing a poker from the fireplace.—
Emily Nussbaum,
New Yorker,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Along with each political plot twist in the paddock, technological advancements cause quite a stir.—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
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That calmness, however, was soon overtaken by the kitchen, with the hiss of the pans, stir of the pots and sharp calls exchanged between cooks quickly filling the air, along with the sounds of an upbeat Peruvian song playing in the background.—
Evan Moore,
Charlotte Observer,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The album is a hot mess of conflicted emotions, empty braggadocio, poor technique, and heartbreaking yet tiresome crying jags.—
Mosi Reeves,
Rolling Stone,
29 Sep. 2025
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The first singles from Carey’s 16th album are dripping with braggadocio with her inimitable voice wafting like smoke.—
Matthew Schnipper,
Vulture,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bluster. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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