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

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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 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 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 See All Example Sentences for ostentation

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostentation

Noun

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
The salutation will kick off a three-day visit that's expected to be saturated with pomp, even by White House standards.

— ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026

Definition of pomp

Noun

Known colloquially as the Flower Mosque, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi draws its botanical inspiration not from its overall form but from its sumptuous ornamentation.

— Kieron Marchese, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
And brands like Cecilie Bahnsen and Dries Van Noten have reinvented the sporty shoe into something more like a collectable via unique and beautiful ornamentation.

— Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of ornamentation

Noun

The airborne spectacle was a prototype demonstration, not a test of a production-ready vehicle.

— Bilin Lin, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
The long road to 2028 While the spectacle was undeniable, aviation experts remain skeptical that the vehicle can serve as both a practical road car and a true aircraft.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of spectacle

Noun

Wilde cultivated an unmistakable appearance through his clothing, aestheticism, and flamboyance.

— William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
The performance is daringly weird, perverse and outlandish, seductively charming, and, for all the flamboyance, Curry never veers out of control, never takes it too far.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of flamboyance

Noun

His decorations included the Air and Space Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Army Commendation Medal, the Air and Space Achievement Medal and the Army Achievement Medal, each with one oak leaf cluster.

— Shayna Jacobs, NBC news, 18 Oct. 2026
Christmas decorations linger into summer, and grasses grow high through rusting cars.

— Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of decoration

Noun

Dja Dja comprises 14 songs of polyphonic glitz, MIDI fugues, and Balinese gamelan to form an epic suite spanning ancient timbres and hectic sound design, pure pop and a beguiling avant-garde.

— Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 9 Oct. 2026
Kevin Kwan created an irresistible world filled with the perfect blend of glitz, humor, and heart, and the talented Adele Lim returns to adapt this renowned tale for a new television audience.

— Angelique Jackson, Variety, 8 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 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of ostentation

noun

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