1
as in rhetorical
full of fine words and fancy expressions
poets in the 19th century tended to write poetry filled with grandiloquent phrases
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pontifical
marked by the use of impressive-sounding but mostly meaningless words and phrases
at Independence Day celebrations grandiloquent speeches by local politicians are as traditional as fireworks
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of grandiloquent
There was Coppola’s over-the-top defense of his friend with a grandiloquent gesture (Tanen declined to sell).
—
Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Reform—Within Reason Malthus aimed to puncture Godwin’s grandiloquent progressivism.
—Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 10 Feb. 2026
Reform—Within Reason Malthus aimed to puncture Godwin’s grandiloquent progressivism.
—Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandiloquent
Adjective
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There’s a familiar rhetorical pattern to retirement announcements by most members of Congress.—
David Mark,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Mar. 2026
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Its strength lies in the creation of characters who, although sometimes forced to function stiffly as rhetorical mouthpieces, seem genuinely conflicted and caught off guard by the brutal interventions of history.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The bishops further authorized a new edition of the Roman Pontifical for pontifical Masses, expected to be completed by 2027, with Vatican approval pending for some rites, according to the Catholic News Agency.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Nov. 2025
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In its report, the pontifical commission highlights failures in the Italian church.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The ryokan-style resort blends imperial heritage—think ornate Meiji-era latticework, intimate courtyards, and meticulous Zen gardens—with sleek, soothing contemporary design.—
Kelsey Eisen,
Robb Report,
19 Mar. 2026
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For a long time, the property gleamed in the daylight with its white, ornate facade against lush green landscaping and often at night, as well, with twinkling holiday lights attached to almost every surface.—
Heather McRea,
Oc Register,
18 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The straight-A students, in other words, likely have parents with straight-A portfolios, but both end up with B- or even C-level experiences in this inflated economy.—
Jake Angelo,
Fortune,
19 Mar. 2026
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Introduced in season 4 and continuing through the final fifth season, Vince is a naturally gifted athlete who struggles with an inflated ego when colleges start recruiting him.—
Ken Simmons,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Carton was a quintessential sports-media success story, having leveraged his bombastic New York morning show, Boomer and Carton, into a national following, as well as a book deal and a lucrative TV gig.—
McKay Coppins,
The Atlantic,
12 Mar. 2026
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Anyone expecting Draper to be bombastic about his immediate prospects will be disappointed, however.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
2 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grandiloquent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grandiloquent. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
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