pompous

[ pom-puhs ]

/ ˈpɒm pəs /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: pompous / pompously on Thesaurus.com

adjective

characterized by an ostentatious display of dignity or importance: a pompous minor official.

ostentatiously lofty or high-flown: a pompous speech.

Archaic. characterized by pomp, or a display of stately splendor or magnificence: an impressive and pompous funeral.

OTHER WORDS FOR pompous

1 pretentious.

2 inflated, turgid, bombastic.

See synonyms for pompous on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"

"Is" it time for a new quiz? "Are" you ready? Then prove your excellent skills on using "is" vs. "are."

Question 1 of 7

IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?

have

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of pompous

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

OTHER WORDS FROM pompous

pomp·ous·ly, adverbun·pomp·ous, adjectiveun·pomp·ous·ly, adverbun·pomp·ous·ness, noun

Words nearby pompous

pompilid, pompom, pompom girl, pompon, pomposity, pompous, Pompton Lakes, Pomsky, ’pon, Ponape, Ponca

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use pompous in a sentence

This year, the show has even resurrected Eliot Ness, seen making a pompous speech to reporters about bringing Capone to justice.
'Boardwalk Empire' Left New Jersey and Lost Its Way|Allen Barra|September 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The dialogue is pure McCarthy as well: clipped, resonant, near-Biblical—and somewhat pompous.
‘The Counselor’ & How Cormac McCarthy Beat the Hollywood Curse|Andrew Romano|October 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Is it pompous to wonder why, as a working journalist, Wikipedia affords the other guy that title?
The Dangers of Trusting Wikipedia With Your Life|Michael Moynihan|April 2, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But he still has the cojones to speak his mind: Thomas Freidman is a ‘pompous ass.’
Ed Koch at 88: New York’s Still-Outspoken Ex-Mayor Holds No Grudges|Lloyd Grove|January 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Man is a Noble Animal,” Browne wrote, “splendid in ashes, and pompous in the grave.
Halloween Read: Thomas Browne’s Eerie Premonition of His Burial|Stefan Beck|October 30, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Subsequent facts, however, proved these pompous vows to be merely a figure of speech.
The Philippine Islands|John Foreman
On the contrary, Mr. Ducksmith loved to talk—in a dismal, pompous way—chiefly of British politics.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
The opportunity came presently, for Lady Merehaven was called away, leaving a pompous old diplomat to wait on the queen.
The Weight of the Crown|Fred M. White
She felt almost pompous with the sense of playing her part in a great event, fancied herself, perhaps, its central figure.
Ancestors|Gertrude Atherton
A handsome soldier on a restive bay mare came next, and behind him a huge touring car with a pompous black chauffeur.
The Sunbridge Girls at Six Star Ranch|Eleanor H. (Eleanor Hodgman) Porter

British Dictionary definitions for pompous

pompous

/ (ˈpɒmpəs) /

adjective

exaggeratedly or ostentatiously dignified or self-important

ostentatiously lofty in stylea pompous speech

rare characterized by ceremonial pomp or splendour

Derived forms of pompous

pompously, adverbpompousness, noun

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

pompous

OTHER WORDS FOR pompous

Origin of pompous

OTHER WORDS FROM pompous

Words nearby pompous

Words related to pompous

How to use pompous in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for pompous

Derived forms of pompous