as in affectation
the quality or state of appearing or trying to appear more important or more valuable than is the case
I'd rather be thought of as a person with simple integrity, not a person given to grandiosity and exaggeration
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of grandiosity
Fascism became fashionable for a time, even if it was rooted in self-grandiosity, narcissistic grievance, and sadistic vengeance.
—
Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
The doctor further explained that the traits of a narcissist encompass low empathy, arrogance, entitlement, grandiosity and pathological selfishness.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Such desperate attempts at grandiosity evoke empty vanity, clutching at physical monuments to prove a greatness that history has not yet conferred.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
For more than 50 years, mental health literature has taught professionals about narcissistic behavior, with its grandiosity, exaggerated need for praise, inability to admit error, and turning setbacks into personal grievances.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Entrepreneurs displaying narcissistic behavior are better able to convince investors to give them money when their grandiosity comes across as confidence as opposed to defensiveness or arrogance.
—Paul Sanchez Ruiz, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
Set in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the grandiosity of MoMA is deceptive.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
But self-indulgence is the whole point of This Music May Contain Hope, and the album wouldn’t work at all without her flamboyant grandiosity.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026
McCrery had introduced the Corinthian order to the ballroom entrance, projecting a grandiosity above and beyond that of the main house, which uses the more modest and domestic Ionic order.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026
The doctor further explained that the traits of a narcissist encompass low empathy, arrogance, entitlement, grandiosity and pathological selfishness.
—Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Such desperate attempts at grandiosity evoke empty vanity, clutching at physical monuments to prove a greatness that history has not yet conferred.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026
For more than 50 years, mental health literature has taught professionals about narcissistic behavior, with its grandiosity, exaggerated need for praise, inability to admit error, and turning setbacks into personal grievances.
—Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Entrepreneurs displaying narcissistic behavior are better able to convince investors to give them money when their grandiosity comes across as confidence as opposed to defensiveness or arrogance.
—Paul Sanchez Ruiz, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026
Set in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the grandiosity of MoMA is deceptive.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
But self-indulgence is the whole point of This Music May Contain Hope, and the album wouldn’t work at all without her flamboyant grandiosity.
—Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2026
McCrery had introduced the Corinthian order to the ballroom entrance, projecting a grandiosity above and beyond that of the main house, which uses the more modest and domestic Ionic order.
—Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 22 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandiosity
Noun
-
The elder Taylor exuded the easy-going charm of a music legend who is free of any airs or affectations.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Slumming with her sister in San Francisco after her life with her Madoff-like ex in New York implodes, Jasmine Francis isn't quite willing to let go of the affectations that come with living in high society.—
Darren Franich,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
In the book, Caputo’s initial pride and arrogance soon give way to a more contemplative spirit, followed by degeneration.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
That’s where arrogance becomes a liability.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
The place, a rental, is furnished without pretension—cushy sectional, vintage Tabasco poster, board games.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Spiegelman uses the term micro-looting, dressing up petty theft in political pretensions.—
Thomas Chatterton Williams,
The Atlantic,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The accompanying bathroom sports dual quartz vanities and an oversize porcelain shower topped by an arched clerestory window.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
8 May 2026
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Bathrooms are also adorned with Calacatta Viola marble vanities and white micro cement showers.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
On the day of Lincoln’s election, the Wide Awakes patrolled polling places under the pretense of protecting democracy, while opponents viewed it as voter intimidation.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Authorities said the gun had been purchased under false pretenses in Indiana.—
Caroline Kubzansky,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grandiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grandiosity. Accessed 13 May. 2026.
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