ostentatious

[os-ten-tey-shuhs, -tuhn-]

adjective

1. characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others.

   an ostentatious dresser.

2. (of actions, manner, qualities exhibited, etc.) intended to attract notice.

   Lady Bountiful's ostentatious charity.

Other Word Forms

• ostentatiously adverb
• ostentatiousness noun
• unostentatious adjective
• unostentatiously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ostentatious¹

First recorded in 1650–60; ostentat(ion) + -ious

Synonym Study

See grandiose.

Example Sentences

The fish proceeds to carry out an ostentatious dance, flashing her scales in the hopes of attracting the poet’s attention and inspiring him to write about her.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It's the only song that really leans into the showgirl concept, with a percussive tap-dancing interlude and ostentatious key changes, as the stars trade lines about their cut-throat industry.

Read more on BBC

It's an anarchic song, full of two-bar guitar solos and ostentatious drum fills.

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The profile described a man in the fullness of middle age, harvesting the benefits he had earned, drinking the best wines and single-malt scotch, driving appropriately luxurious but not ostentatious vehicles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"It's simple elegance, not too ostentatious," she said.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• classy 
• conspicuous 
• extravagant 
• flamboyant 
• garish 
• gaudy 
• glittery 
• jaunty 
• splashy 
• swank