ostentation

noun

ˌä-stən-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce ostentation (audio)
Definition of ostentationnext
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 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
  1. pomp
  2. ornamentation
  3. spectacle
  4. flamboyance
  5. decoration
  6. glitz
  7. luxuriance
  8. gaudiness
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
  • 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
  • City train stations were filled with decorative ornamentation, public art and monuments, and other luxurious touches.
    — James Folta, Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of ornamentation
Noun
  • The film is a wild, frequently grotesque spectacle that careens between horror, action, slapstick, and black comedy.
    — Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
  • All kinds of films, from big-budget spectacles to art house dramas, are stretching their runtimes.
    — Jake Coyle, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 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
  • October decorations and costumes that once cost only a minimal investment have skyrocketed in-season.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • From time-saving kitchen gadgets and food warmers to festive serving platters, Thanksgiving table decorations and clever ways to store leftovers, there are plenty of products that can help make the holiday feel a little less stressful.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of decoration
Noun
  • 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
  • But when there’s an occasion to dress up, Qualley is all about the glam — and the glitz.
    — Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 16 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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Cite this Entry

“Ostentation.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ostentation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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