as in rhetorical
marked by the use of impressive-sounding but mostly meaningless words and phrases
a bombastic speech intended to impress the voters in her congressional district
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bombastic
There will never be another John Sterling, whose bombastic style and signature catchphrases became must-listen radio when a Yankee hit a home run.
—
Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 4 May 2026
The 77-year-old monarch faced a number of possible pitfalls from a bombastic US president known for creating controversy and generating headlines at the lowest moment for US-UK relations in modern history.
—Max Foster, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Woodman is known for being bombastic, but GoPro's track record in making indestructible camera gear is unmatched.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
Steinman’s music has always been described as big, bombastic, and operatic.
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombastic
Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 4 May 2026
The 77-year-old monarch faced a number of possible pitfalls from a bombastic US president known for creating controversy and generating headlines at the lowest moment for US-UK relations in modern history.
—Max Foster, CNN Money, 1 May 2026
Woodman is known for being bombastic, but GoPro's track record in making indestructible camera gear is unmatched.
—Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
Steinman’s music has always been described as big, bombastic, and operatic.
—Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for bombastic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombastic
Adjective
-
But the window requires decisions that run against every instinct of a community built around distrust of central coordination, resistance to change, and deep skepticism of urgency as a rhetorical device.—
Sandy Peng,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
American presidents have long used scripture as a rhetorical resource to frame important moments in the nation’s history.—
NPR,
NPR,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
Beyond-high ticket prices have drawn protests, along with inflated mass-transportation costs in host cities.—
Greg Cote
June 4,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
-
Unlike Benitez, who arrived at Anfield with inflated confidence having won two La Liga titles in three seasons at Valencia, along with the UEFA Cup, Iraola’s track record is one of a developer at each of his previous clubs rather than a deliverer of trophies.—
Simon Hughes,
New York Times,
3 June 2026
Adjective
-
Leo opened his visit to Pompeii by meeting with sick and disabled people who are cared for by a charity center affiliated with the sanctuary, which Leo’s namesake, Pope Leo XIII, declared a pontifical basilica in 1901.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
8 May 2026
-
That public spat has overshadowed his pontifical tour of four African countries, which ended Thursday with a Mass for thousands of people in Malabo, the former capital of Equatorial Guinea.—
Claudio Lavanga,
NBC news,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bombastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombastic. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
