1
as in rhetoric
boastful speech or writing
the other world leaders at the international conference had little interest in being subjected to the president's bombast
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in grandiloquence
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
you need less bombast and more substance in this speech on human rights
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bombast
But recently, the family has taken a decidedly different tack—less Trumpian bombast, and more sober promotion of its crypto businesses.
—
Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 6 Sep. 2025
But somewhere in the chasm of perception between Infantino’s bombast and the indifference felt by many football fans, certain things are easier to say.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 3 July 2025
Pacino not only opted for the lesser beard, but also plays his bespectacled character without bombast.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 6 June 2025
You’ll be treated to swank surroundings and a surprisingly refined and nuanced meal filled with bombast and a hint of down-to-earth charm from its culinary director, Ben Martinek (formerly of Montage Laguna Beach’s Loft and Studio).
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bombast
Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 6 Sep. 2025
But somewhere in the chasm of perception between Infantino’s bombast and the indifference felt by many football fans, certain things are easier to say.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 3 July 2025
Pacino not only opted for the lesser beard, but also plays his bespectacled character without bombast.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 6 June 2025
You’ll be treated to swank surroundings and a surprisingly refined and nuanced meal filled with bombast and a hint of down-to-earth charm from its culinary director, Ben Martinek (formerly of Montage Laguna Beach’s Loft and Studio).
—Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for bombast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombast
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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Much of that singularity was centered in McCarthy’s prose, which ricocheted—sometimes gracefully, sometimes jarringly—between gruff matter-of-factness and soaring, biblical grandiloquence.—
Alex Shephard,
The New Republic,
13 June 2023
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Several of them can fly, and all have at least a touch of grandiloquence to them.—
Michael Nordine,
Variety,
11 Aug. 2022
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
Noun
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The entertainment industry is no stranger to individuals who espouse contested stories about screen hits, but the producers of Legacy of Lies have grown tired of his brags.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
25 Sep. 2025
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While the sale hasn’t started just yet, there are tons of early Amazon Prime Day toy deals to get your holiday shopping started or snag a brag-worthy deal on a birthday gift.—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Hammy magniloquence risks alienating viewers, not just for an evening but for life, as does obscurity.—
The Economist,
The Economist,
15 Mar. 2018
Noun
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That claim was the sort of startup bluster best taken with shakers of salt.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
2 Oct. 2025
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Was her prediction a bit of bluster?—
Tatiana Siegel,
Variety,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Some online chatter has also attributed the smaller options to the rise of Wegovy, Ozempic and other weight loss drugs.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
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Rodger’s upcoming debut novel, which is due to publish in 2027, has been directing chatter in worldwide circles, leading to the auction.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
2 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bombast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombast. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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