ostentatious

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

/ ˌɒs tɛnˈteɪ ʃəs, -tən- /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: ostentatious / ostentatiously / ostentatiousness 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.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of ostentatious

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

synonym study for ostentatious

1. See grandiose.

OTHER WORDS FROM ostentatious

os·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. 2023

How to use ostentatious in a sentence

As in the old days of the Rusholme Road, Batterby flung his money about with unostentatious generosity.
The Joyous Adventures of Aristide Pujol|William J. Locke
His unostentatious mode of travelling merely gave an excuse for not treating him with much respect.
Ireland Under the Tudors, Vol. II (of 3)|Richard Bagwell
It was in this unostentatious, this half-furtive fashion, that his visits to London now usually occurred.
The Regent|E. Arnold Bennett
He is extremely modest and unostentatious in manner and all who know him speak of him in terms of praise.
Lyman's History of old Walla Walla County, Vol. 2 (of 2)|William Denison Lyman

And in his great joy he never lost one of his most beautiful natural graces, the grace of an unostentatious humility.
Bella Donna|Robert Hichens

British Dictionary definitions for ostentatious

ostentatious

/ (ˌɒstɛnˈteɪʃəs) /

adjective

characterized by pretentious, showy, or vulgar display

Derived forms of ostentatious

ostentatiously, 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

ostentatious

Origin of ostentatious

synonym study for ostentatious

OTHER WORDS FROM ostentatious

Words related to ostentatious

How to use ostentatious in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for ostentatious

Derived forms of ostentatious