OSTENTATION Synonyms: 58 Similar and Opposite Words

ostentation

noun

ˌä-stən-ˈtā-shən

Definition of ostentation

as in pomp

excessive or unnecessary display the sheer ostentation of the rock star's mansion was overwhelming

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 ostentation This gesture contrasts in the central avenue of Vassilissis Sofia, with the ostentation of the immediate official buildings, where the flags are flying full. — Diego Parrado, Vanity Fair, 18 Jan. 2026 The lack of ostentation is in line with my impression of the surgeon himself. — Mary Roach, Wired News, 10 Nov. 2025 What existed in the White House was a relative lack of ostentation — formal, but showing occasional signs of wear and tear, proof that this was a People’s House, not a palace. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025 Formula 1 has Monaco, with its ostentation and air of exclusivity. — Jonathan Hawkins, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ostentation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostentation

Noun

This is a charming center-of-town property with tons of old-school pomp.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
In a tunnel as both teams prepared to take the pitch for the pomp of the two national anthems, out of view of the crowd, Norwegian star Erling Haaland was hugging or dapping his opponents.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026

Definition of pomp

Noun

Master model designer Milan Madge incorporated metallic gold elements and raised textures to capture the original's rich ornamentation and depth.

— Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
Other examples of ornamentation include the scalloped crown molding in the entry hall and colorful tiling on risers of steps down to the south side of the house.

— Brian Bell, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 July 2026

Definition of ornamentation

Noun

Euromonitor forecasts that the global eyewear industry (including contact lenses, spectacles, and sunglasses) will be worth $171 billion in 2026, up 4% in current terms.

— Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 July 2026
The ongoing World Cup has made for a spectacle simply not seen elsewhere — maybe not even in Argentina.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of spectacle

Noun

Emma’s resistance to the bland wholesomeness of recovery spaces speaks to a familiar cultural trope across media, in films and television shows; that sobriety is where flamboyance goes to die.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 July 2026
Since then, flamboyances of flamingos—the collective noun for the birds—have competed with oranges to symbolize the state.

— Matthew Wills, JSTOR Daily, 6 July 2026

Definition of flamboyance

Noun

Around the space are Chicago Fire decorations, sign-up sheets, contests and team merch for sale.

— Becky Sullivan, NPR, 19 July 2026
This breakfast recipe is deliciously easy—a quick stir-together batter, a simple edible decoration, and a light dusting of powdered sugar.

— Josh Miller, Southern Living, 18 July 2026

Definition of decoration

Noun

Construction began in 2024, following a design intended to suggest Hollywood glitz and glamour.

— Christopher Reynolds, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
Despite the celebrity glitz surrounding their relationship, Kelce got candid on the normalcy of his romance with Swift in a September 2025 interview with GQ.

— Edward Segarra, USA Today, 8 July 2026

Definition of glitz

Noun

But then, what is art if not an attempt to tidy up the real world’s teeming luxuriance?

— Sebastian Smee, Washington Post, 5 Dec. 2023
The comic luxuriance of Roman references should not blind us to the significance of these constant appeals to the Roman Republic and to classical virtue.

— Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 24 Oct. 2022

Definition of luxuriance

Noun

The Dominick is all floor-to-ceiling windows, soaking tubs, rooftop pools, and moody light fixtures — in other words, its 46 stories are peppered with elements that exude upscale, sophisticated energy while avoiding all signs of gaudiness.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 Mar. 2026
So that drove a kind of character choice as well about the gaudiness of the society.

— Kelsie Gibson, PEOPLE, 1 Feb. 2026

Definition of gaudiness

Browse Nearby Words

ostensively

ostentation

ostentatious

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Ostentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostentation. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of ostentation

noun

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