ostentatious

[os-ten-tey-shuh s, -tuh n-]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR ostentatious ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others: an ostentatious dresser.

(of actions, manner, qualities exhibited, etc.) intended to attract notice: Lady Bountiful's ostentatious charity.

Nearby words

Origin of ostentatious

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

SYNONYMS FOR ostentatious

1. See grandiose.

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR ostentatious ON THESAURUS.COM

Related formsos·ten·ta·tious·ly, adverbos·ten·ta·tious·ness, nounun·os·ten·ta·tious, adjectiveun·os·ten·ta·tious·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for ostentatiously

The consul was a keen golfer, so Cunningham ostentatiously visited the clubhouse with his clubs and an overnight bag.
Week in Death: The Woman Who Cracked Hitler’s Codes|The Telegraph|November 17, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Brotherhood cadres have been ostentatiously preparing "paramilitary" units, but they are really just street gangs.
Morsi-less: Are Egyptians Done with the Muslim Brothers?|Hussein Ibish|July 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Mrs. Lawton ostentatiously lifted her lorgnon, and again the girls exclaimed: "Why, mamma!"
A Pasteboard Crown|Clara Morris
Leonidas lingered on the top of the hill, ostentatiously examining a young hickory for a green switch, but to no effect.
Openings in the Old Trail|Bret Harte

Henri so ostentatiously recommended to me by the directress.
The Professor|(AKA Charlotte Bronte) Currer Bell
When they were preparing to start Mr. Sprague ostentatiously wiped his eyes on a large bandana handkerchief.
Mark Mason's Victory|Horatio Alger
You maintain your device, permit me to say, my dear aunt, as ostentatiously in your person as we renegade Landales ourselves.
The Light of Scarthey|Egerton Castle

British Dictionary definitions for ostentatiously

ostentatious

adjective

characterized by pretentious, showy, or vulgar display

Derived Formsostentatiously, adverb

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

Word Origin and History for ostentatiously

ostentatious

adj.

1701, from ostentation + -ous. Earlier in a similar sense were ostentative (c.1600); ostentive (1590s). Related: Ostentatiously; ostentatiousness (1650s).

ostentatious

adjective

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RELATED WORDS

Nearby words

Origin of ostentatious

Examples from the Web for ostentatiously

ostentatious

adjective

ostentatious