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
Unlike the bombast of Napoléon, the empirical basis of their illusions shifted the literally upper-class practice of astronomy toward a populist democratization of science.
—
Caroline A. Jones, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2025
The Townshend-esque vibe is much stronger on Argent's original version of this song, but Kiss' reinvention is a vast improvement, weeding out the prog-rock bombast while venturing into Mott the Hoople territory.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
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
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
See All Example Sentences for bombast
Caroline A. Jones, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2025
The Townshend-esque vibe is much stronger on Argent's original version of this song, but Kiss' reinvention is a vast improvement, weeding out the prog-rock bombast while venturing into Mott the Hoople territory.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
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
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
See All Example Sentences for bombast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombast
Noun
-
That kind of rhetoric is escalatory.—
Burgess Everett,
semafor.com,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Regardless, the Islamic Republic’s response has been to frame criticism as betrayal, suggesting that those who question support for Gaza or Lebanon are complicit with imperialism – a narrative enforced through a mix of rhetoric and coercion.—
Kamran Talattof,
The Conversation,
6 Jan. 2026
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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But the tonal change from braggadocio to lionization is notable, Reisman slipping at times into the giddiness of a die-hard fan meeting their idols.—
Julien Levy,
Rolling Stone,
27 Dec. 2025
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Other details, freely tweaked, mesh, too, but the main similarities are in temperament—a megawatt personality and a penchant for braggadocio.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
19 Dec. 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
-
Not all Jewish conservatives agree with Fine’s bluster.—
Andrew Lapin,
Sun Sentinel,
5 Jan. 2026
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Khamenei must know that threats, bluster, and repression cannot stop the uprising.—
Benjamin Weinthal,
FOXNews.com,
3 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Famed for launching Downton Abbey, the network has been courting sale interest for well over a year, but for all the industry chatter and press speculation, ITV’s silence has been stony.—
Max Goldbart,
Deadline,
8 Nov. 2025
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In the case of Copeland, has noted that his name has not even been brought up within WWE, even with the online chatter.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bombast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombast. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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