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
Relevance
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
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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
Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pompousness
Noun
-
While their energies differ, nearly all of them share the same basic drives (money, power, status) and the same fundamental flaws (greed, arrogance, selfishness).—
Angie Han,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Their defensive style can look like arrogance or hostility.—
Paul Sanchez Ruiz,
The Conversation,
6 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The marble bathrooms offer plenty of room to stretch out, with double vanities, deep bathtubs, power showers, and thick terry cloth robes.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Apr. 2026
-
Good said more companies are seeking fitness options in their buildings in the wake of the pandemic, and the development would have ample exercise equipment, upscale lockers, shower rooms, vanities and saunas.—
Madison Iszler,
San Antonio Express-News,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Critics accused American Eagle and Sweeney of creating an ad that implied that white people from a European background have genetic superiority over everyone else.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
They have been used so often, the labels have worked to beguile the Democratic base into accepting that Republicans really are evil, that all the hyperbolic language is true and that progressives should be proud of their moral and intellectual superiority.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
9 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Watching a prodigy embarrass the world over 72 holes was riveting; equally captivating is following the same person be exposed by life, hubris and ego.—
Mac Engel
April 9,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Their iconic Full-On Plumping Lip Polish is designed to unleash your sexy alter-ego and stimulate your senses.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
7 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Across the city, tattoo shops are marking the occasion by turning that pride into permanent art.—
Loureen Ayyoub,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
Mitchell’s achievements are a source of pride for his parents.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Their attitude, their smugness was palpable.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
21 Mar. 2026
-
Just as in real life when a too-good singer gets the mic at karaoke, the scene has a certain smugness.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
20 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pompousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pompousness. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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