pompous

[pom-puhs]

adjective

1. characterized by an ostentatious display of dignity or importance.

   a pompous minor official.

   Synonyms: pretentious

2. ostentatiously lofty or high-flown.

   a pompous speech.

   Synonyms: bombastic, turgid, inflated

3. Archaic.,  characterized by pomp, or a display of stately splendor or magnificence.

   an impressive and pompous funeral.

pompous

/ ˈpɒmpəs /

adjective

1. exaggeratedly or ostentatiously dignified or self-important

2. ostentatiously lofty in style

   a pompous speech

3. rare,  characterized by ceremonial pomp or splendour

Other Word Forms

• pompously adverb
• unpompous adjective
• unpompously adverb
• unpompousness noun
• pompousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pompous¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English word from Late Latin word pompōsus. See pomp, -ous

Example Sentences

His first major stage success was as pompous lawyer Paul Bratter in Neil Simon's romantic comedy Barefoot in the Park.

From BBC

Adamson plays the band's pompous new promoter while Godliman plays the daughter of their late manager who is now looking after their legal affairs in light of a newly discovered chart return gig clause.

From BBC

Without wanting to sound pompous, "favourite" is a concept I find problematic - I'm a journalist and my job is to be objective.

From BBC

The latest example is Brett Cooper, a 23-year-old right-wing commentator whose vibe is “young female Ben Shapiro,” right down to her failed Hollywood career and the pompous tones she uses to deliver pandering, half-baked opinions.

From Salon

Judging by social media, my irrepressible loathing of Leavitt's smug visage and pompous voice makes me typical of my demographic: progressive, college-educated women between the ages of 25 and 65.

From Salon

Related Words

• boastful 
• bombastic 
• grandiose 
• imperious 
• overbearing 
• presumptuous 
• pretentious 
• self-centered 
• self-important 
• selfish