pompousness

noun

Definition of pompousnessnext
1
as in arrogance
an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims offended by the pompousness of the minor official

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vanity
an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements the pompousness of the self-made billionaire was evident in the gaudy mansion he built for himself

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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 pompousness Any claim for Swift’s genius should reckon with her lapses into imprecision and pompousness. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pompousness
  1. arrogance
  2. vanity
  3. superiority
  4. ego
  5. pride
  6. smugness
Noun
  • The combination of arrogance and doctored intelligence that led the United States and its allies into the 2003 Iraq War is almost made for Hollywood.
    — David Faris, TheWeek, 27 July 2026
  • This psychological phenomenon explains why initial impressions can be so strong, leading managers to react differently to similar employees, seeing confidence in one and arrogance in another.
    — Benjamin Laker, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • Natural variations and imperfections in the stone give this heirloom-quality piece character, and the rich cherry red and gold tones introduce a subtle, yet unexpected color to otherwise neutral vanities.
    — Nina Derwin, Architectural Digest, 24 July 2026
  • This includes a walk-in shower, with a flushing toilet and a vanity sink, plus a small laundry nook with shelving, a washer/dryer, and a pull-out cart for clothes storage.
    — Adam Williams July 22, New Atlas, 22 July 2026
Definition of vanity
Noun
  • Last season was a microcosm of the shifting landscape in college football, which has undermined the SEC's arguments and proclamations of superiority.
    — Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
  • These were annual occurrences in California, which left us with an air of geographic superiority.
    — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of superiority
Noun
  • His alter-ego has figured out how to travel between dimensions by way of a large metal box.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 26 July 2026
  • Leaders must keep their egos in check by actively requesting and listening to guidance from their team members.
    — Dr. Samantha Madhosingh, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Definition of ego
Noun
  • Plus, the constant convoys of soldiers driving in and out of the base just down the street gave them a sense of security and pride.
    — Austin Fast, USA Today, 26 July 2026
  • Though it was legally banned and deemed indecent in the 19th century, Tahitian dance has grown to become an internationally renowned source of cultural pride.
    — Marcia Luttrell, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2026
Definition of pride
Noun
  • The demon was largely limited to one expression — smugness — and was inexplicably the only character who spoke Japanese.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 10 June 2026
  • One widespread subspecies endemic to the area is the haughty Cardinal, recognized by its bright-red plumage and smugness about winning a dozen National League Central crowns.
    — Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 31 May 2026
Definition of smugness

Browse Nearby Words

pompously
pompousness
poncho
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Cite this Entry

“Pompousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pompousness. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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