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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Recent Examples of grandiosity
Regardless, the president clearly reveled in his proximity to grandiosity.
—
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
But her best work is in reaction to McKellen’s grandiosity.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025
Talking to a narcissist—whose behavior is characterized by grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy—is the ultimate example of navigating conversational landmines.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025
But her best work is in reaction to McKellen’s grandiosity.
—Joe Reid, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2025
Talking to a narcissist—whose behavior is characterized by grandiosity, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy—is the ultimate example of navigating conversational landmines.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 3 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandiosity
Noun
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The band sets aside the winks and retro affectations for something unadorned and honest.—
Sarah Grant,
Rolling Stone,
19 Aug. 2025
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The scenic appeal is undeniable, nature’s majestic prose both frames and dwarfs the tumultuous affectations of the characters.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Blenkin told Variety in September 2025 that his character's laughter comes from arrogance.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
24 Sep. 2025
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Nishijima brings his characteristic intensity to Kenji, a man whose academic arrogance masks deep insecurity and desperation.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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There's no pretension here: San Pancho's beach is dotted with boutique hotels and homes for rent and an array of restaurants, mostly of the no-frills and unassuming variety.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
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The Chicago Athletic Association offers an elevated members club experience without the steely pretension.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Upstairs, the home boasts four bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, including the primary bedroom and bathroom with double vanities, a soaking tub and large shower.—
Molly Davis,
Nashville Tennessean,
24 Sep. 2025
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Moreover, sports teams are the ultimate vanity asset – something billionaires love to own without too much concern about possible operating losses (which likely just offset taxable gains elsewhere).—
Chris Deubert,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But at least those entities are populated by people who are curious about art and culture—these OFFLINE events have no such pretense.—
Kieran Press-Reynolds,
Pitchfork,
24 Sep. 2025
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Gregory and Gerner were arrested and charged with felony counts of injury to an energy facility and felony counts of obtaining property by false pretense, deputies said.—
Paloma Chavez,
Charlotte Observer,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Grandiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grandiosity. Accessed 1 Oct. 2025.
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