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 Hyd tries to bring the listener close without being ostentatious. —

H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 2 June 2026 Turner’s character, Declan O’Hara, is a righteous Irish journalist, also loquacious, also hot, but disgusted by ostentatious displays of wealth. —

Anna Russell, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Here, the decor is brighter and airier, leaning into refined beach-chic vibes more than ostentatious island tropes. —

Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 May 2026 To the generation now eyeing the altar, such ostentatious bliss may be a relic of more innocent times. —

Judy Berman, Time, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ostentatious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostentatious

Adjective

While the first two seasons often presented Lestat through structured tailoring and muted palettes, Season 3 arrives in a much louder world.

— Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
They were all met with loud cheers on this Juneteenth evening.

— Marlow Stern, Variety, 20 June 2026