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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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 The mansion, often considered a monument to Roaring ‘20s ostentation, stretches from the Intracoastal to the Atlantic Ocean. — Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 22 Feb. 2026 The characteristics of this aesthetic begin with simple colors that evoke understated elegance—not ostentation. — Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Feb. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for ostentation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostentation

Noun

By now, Renate Reinsve is no stranger to the closing-night pomp of the Cannes Film Festival, having won the best actress trophy in 2021 for Joachim Trier’s The Worst Person in the World, her first ever leading role.

— Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2026
But for all the pomp and ceremony, China analysts broadly predict the leaders’ personal relationship and policy goals will result in a cautious summit that yields few major deliverables.

— Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of pomp

Noun

Skeletons have long served as sacred ornamentation across cultures, representing the transience of life.

— Livia Caligor, Architectural Digest, 30 Oct. 2026
The cotton canvas jacket offers a very simple silhouette with little to no ornamentation—perfect for a minimalist wardrobe.

— Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of ornamentation

Noun

Depp claimed the article damaged his reputation and career; both parties argued the other was the aggressor through the grueling six-week spectacle.

— J. Kim Murphy, IndieWire, 6 Nov. 2026
This year's promises to be even grander, as 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the spectacle, which started in 1924 (though it wasn’t held from 1942 to 1944 because parade materials were reserved for wartime efforts).

— Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026

Definition of spectacle

Noun

Bachelier’s Havanese portrait may be unrivaled for its aggressive flamboyance, but these sorts of paintings of little pet dogs were by no means an exclusively French phenomenon.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026
One of wrestling’s first true mainstream celebrities, Gorgeous George became a television sensation whose flamboyance, swagger and mastery of self-promotion famously influenced a young Muhammad Ali.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of flamboyance

Noun

Think over-sized kitchens with dark cabinetry, granite countertops, artificial grapes and many, many rooster decorations.

— Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
The family spent approximately $1,500 on dirt and ballfield materials and another $500 on indoor decorations, bringing the total for those elements to around $2,000.

— Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 1 Nov. 2026

Definition of decoration

Noun

Beyond the glitz and glamour, Daniel Besharat, whose family owns City Spa, says the bathhouse has always been home to a wide range of immigrants.

— Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026
The evening was full of glitz and glamour, too, as celebs hit the carpet in incredible designer threads and accessories.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 19 Oct. 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

Veterans, retirees and lawmakers spoke out — against its scale, its cost, its lack of Congressional approval, its gaudiness, its intrusion on nearby Arlington National Cemetery and more — next to a mockup made of tarp.

— Rachel Treisman, NPR, 2 Oct. 2026
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

Definition of gaudiness

Browse Nearby Words

ostensively

ostentation

ostentatious

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“Ostentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostentation. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of ostentation

noun

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