OSTENTATIOUS Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ostentatious' different from other adjectives like it?

The words pretentious and showy are common synonyms of ostentatious . While all three words mean "given to excessive outward display," ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade. // the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pretentious' instead of 'ostentatious'?

The synonyms pretentious and ostentatious are sometimes interchangeable, but pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing. // a pretentious parade of hard words

Q: When could 'showy' be used to replace 'ostentatious'?

The words showy and ostentatious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste. // the performers' showy costumes

ostentatious

adjective

ˌä-stən-ˈtā-shəs

Definition of ostentatious next

as in loud

excessively showy wears an ostentatious diamond ring on his little finger

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogant

self-consciously trying to present an appearance of grandeur or importance an ostentatious man who desperately wants to impress people with his newly acquired wealth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ostentatious different from other adjectives like it?

The words pretentious and showy are common synonyms of ostentatious. While all three words mean "given to excessive outward display," ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade.

the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

When is it sensible to use pretentious instead of ostentatious?

The synonyms pretentious and ostentatious are sometimes interchangeable, but pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing.

a pretentious parade of hard words

When could showy be used to replace ostentatious?

The words showy and ostentatious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste.

the performers' showy costumes

Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of ostentatious To be sure, nothing here is an ostentatious gastronomical experiment; Peacock Alley serves pigs in a blanket. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026 Meticulous and never ostentatious, his work displays refined elegance, luxurious detailing, exacting craftsmanship, historical references, and a sumptuous materiality. —

Jennifer Baum Lagdameo, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026 Set to a jazzy score and shot on the streets, The Only Living Pickpocket in New York is filled with life, though not in an ostentatious, masquerading way. —

Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 19 Feb. 2026 Any reservations the guests may have about Melmotte’s background, which was reputed to include shady deals on the European continent, fall away in the presence of his ostentatious displays of wealth. —

John Cassidy, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ostentatious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostentatious

Adjective

At that point, a loud drum fill announces itself, snarling electric guitars kick in and McCartney’s trademark howls of old arrive in time for a fairly kick-ass chorus.

— Chris Willman, Variety, 23 May 2026
Lacking any sort of thematic heft to make the proceedings truly spooky, proficient helmer Ovredal mainly relies on a series of jump scares, complete with sudden loud noises, to keep us on edge.

— Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 May 2026