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
-
This reform effort did not emerge from academic theory or ceremonial Sunshine Week rhetoric.—
Bobby Block,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Corey Perry, a newcomer to the team, is already fitting right in with his rhetoric.—
Andrew Knoll,
Daily News,
13 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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Timmy’s Marty promotional tour was loud and brash — viral Zoom videos, Soulja Boy routines in Brazil, standing atop the Sphere in Las Vegas — and had a lot of people wondering if his decision to adopt a Marty Mauser-style braggadocio would ultimately hurt his chances to win over Oscar voters.—
Vulture Editors,
Vulture,
12 Jan. 2026
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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
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
-
Of course, his leadership style is not just bluster and rah-rah speeches.—
The Athletic Peak staff,
New York Times,
15 Jan. 2026
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And it’s usually followed by political bluster.—
Alex Wigglesworth,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The powerful Sun clashes with Chiron by way of your chatter quadrant and your habit zone, encouraging you to address a tricky situation at work or in your neighborhood with courageous calm.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
12 Jan. 2026
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Stephen Miran’s term as governor ends in January, and there has been chatter about potential retirements, particularly Vice Chair Philip Jefferson.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
12 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bombast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombast. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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