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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
  • His crippling, his stubborn arrogance and refusal to be humbled, has somehow humanized the spoiled brat king.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
  • Except the brash arrogance that long lived behind the slogan has taken a bit of a hit in recent years.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • Several bestsellers came from the brand’s vintage check range, which includes classic designs — a vanity case, tote bags, the Note bag, and new additions, such as the Cotswolds bag.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 17 July 2026
  • Bathrooms are impressively spacious—they're large enough to fit a double vanity and a glass rain shower.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
Definition of vanity
Noun
  • By vilifying others, Marx could use moral superiority to legally steal from those who had more.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 9 July 2026
  • We are encouraged to indulge our delusions about replacement theory and white male superiority and to surrender to our instincts toward incivility and division.
    — Dawn M. Turner, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026
Definition of superiority
Noun
  • LeBron James already has played alongside and won alongside the egos of Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and Anthony Davis.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 July 2026
  • To highly competitive people, the individuals with massive egos and resumes that don’t fit on one page, legacy is the word that moves the needle.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026
Definition of ego
Noun
  • Americans felt a sense of national pride from the throngs of international tourists who fell in love with Walmart and ranch dressing.
    — David Goldman, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • In the beginning, the Genesis Convention Center reigned over downtown Gary as a symbol of ambition and pride.
    — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 19 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 25 Jul. 2026.

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