bombastic
Americanadjective
Related Words
Bombastic, flowery, pretentious, verbose all describe a use or a user of language more elaborate than is justified by or appropriate to the content being expressed. Bombastic suggests language with a theatricality or staginess of style far too powerful or declamatory for the meaning or sentiment being expressed: a bombastic sermon on the evils of cardplaying. Flowery describes language filled with extravagant images and ornate expressions: a flowery eulogy. Pretentious refers specifically to language that is purposely inflated in an effort to impress: a pretentious essay designed to demonstrate one's sophistication. Verbose characterizes utterances or speakers that use more words than necessary to express an idea: a verbose speech, speaker.
Other Word Forms
- bombastically adverb
- unbombastic adjective
- unbombastically adverb
Etymology
Origin of bombastic
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.
Sunday was undeniably great theater, two bombastic blue chip programs, Final Four again on the line.
Despite his bombastic rhetoric, Iran watchers said he has in the past demonstrated some pragmatism, which, combined with his regime bona fides, could position him as a viable interlocutor.
In her nearly six years in Congress, Greene developed a reputation for bombastic committee appearances, embracing conspiracy theories, and supporting hardline immigration policies.
From BBC
James, the son of a fisherman, was bombastic with an entrepreneurial streak, while Martin was the more reserved beer geek.
From BBC
So there’s this bombastic side to his personality, but then the treat of working with him is you get to see this very sweet, actually quite vulnerable, very generous and kind side.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
