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View synonyms for bluster

bluster

[bluhs-ter]

verb (used without object)

  1. to roar and be tumultuous, as wind.

  2. to be loud, noisy, or swaggering; utter loud, empty menaces or protests.

    He blusters about revenge but does nothing.

    Synonyms: gloat, boast, brag, rant


verb (used with object)

  1. to force or accomplish by blustering.

    He blustered his way through the crowd.

    Synonyms: bully, storm, threaten

noun

  1. boisterous noise and violence.

    the bluster of the streets.

  2. noisy, empty threats or protests; inflated talk.

    bluff and bluster.

bluster

/ ˈblʌstə /

verb

  1. to speak or say loudly or boastfully

  2. to act in a bullying way

  3. to force or attempt to force (a person) into doing something by behaving thus

  4. (intr) (of the wind) to be noisy or gusty

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

noun

  1. boisterous talk or action; swagger

  2. empty threats or protests

  3. a strong wind; gale

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Other Word Forms

  • blusterer noun
  • blusteringly adverb
  • blustery adjective
  • blusterous adjective
  • outbluster verb (used with object)
  • blustering noun
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Word History and Origins

Origin of bluster1

First recorded in 1520–30; perhaps from Low German blustern, blüstern “to blow violently”; compare Old Norse blāstr “blowing, hissing”
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Word History and Origins

Origin of bluster1

C15: probably from Middle Low German blüsteren to storm, blow violently
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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In such an era, the fact that the American president decided to blather and bluster instead of attempting to offer workable proposals is nothing short of an embarrassment.

Read more on Salon

Healey suggested there was bluster in Putin's words, insisting that Russia was under pressure.

Read more on BBC

She described the action plan as "more bluster from a government that is only tinkering around the edges".

Read more on BBC

A U.S. president and a Russian leader sitting down to talk and emerging with bluster about progress seems normal enough, perhaps encouraging when American-Russian relations have been at a historic low.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Without considerable fanfare, hype or bluster, the Championship comfortably sells itself each and every season as one of the most thrillingly competitive leagues in all of sport.

Read more on BBC

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