1
as in rhetoric
boastful speech or writing
the other world leaders at the international conference had little interest in being subjected to the president's bombast
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in grandiloquence
language that is impressive-sounding but not meaningful or sincere
you need less bombast and more substance in this speech on human rights
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bombast
Despite the lack of bombast, The Alters tells a compelling and heartfelt narrative, with some goofier moments to break up the unrelenting drama.
—
Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 June 2025
The closest approximations to conventional pop motifs — the strongest ones on the record — err on bombast and balladry.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 30 May 2025
And the Attachment Theory, with all of its effortless bombast, is the perfect accompaniment for this new stage in her career.
—Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Cascada’s rendition replaces Reilly’s yearning with decidedly more bombast, but the ecstatic feeling of connecting with a lover – whether on an elevator, dancefloor or basketball court – remains at the center.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bombast
Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 14 June 2025
The closest approximations to conventional pop motifs — the strongest ones on the record — err on bombast and balladry.
—Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 30 May 2025
And the Attachment Theory, with all of its effortless bombast, is the perfect accompaniment for this new stage in her career.
—Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 10 May 2025
Cascada’s rendition replaces Reilly’s yearning with decidedly more bombast, but the ecstatic feeling of connecting with a lover – whether on an elevator, dancefloor or basketball court – remains at the center.
—Kyle Denis, Billboard, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bombast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombast
Noun
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His tirades against Ukraine stood out for their bloodthirsty rhetoric.—
Simon Shuster,
Time,
17 July 2025
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While democratic Taiwan has long been used to those threats, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the increasingly shrill rhetoric from Chinese leader Xi Jinping and conflict in the Middle East have thrown into sharp relief what could be at stake if peace falters.—
Will Ripley,
CNN Money,
17 July 2025
Noun
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Much of that singularity was centered in McCarthy’s prose, which ricocheted—sometimes gracefully, sometimes jarringly—between gruff matter-of-factness and soaring, biblical grandiloquence.—
Alex Shephard,
The New Republic,
13 June 2023
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Several of them can fly, and all have at least a touch of grandiloquence to them.—
Michael Nordine,
Variety,
11 Aug. 2022
Noun
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The most accomplished tracks excel at a carefree braggadocio and bottomless defiance foundational to hip-hop, fitting since Ice Spice hails from the Bronx, the birthplace of the culture.—
Craig Jenkins,
Vulture,
1 Aug. 2024
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Ditto his distinctive appearance, trumped only by a persuasive smile that conveyed an innocence and friendliness somewhat at odds with his braggadocio tales and hedonistic tendencies.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Noun
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There’s a whole new tone and dynamism to LinkedIn: more human, less not-so-humble brag.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
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Archetypal playboy Eddie Irvine has always loved a humble brag, renowned for accumulating a long list boys toys assets after following a successful F1 career.—
Julia Zaltzman,
Robb Report,
24 May 2025
Noun
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In Killarney, German businessmen described the respect their grandparents had for America’s leadership after World War II and then lashed out at the bluster and lies that currently pass for dialogue and diplomacy in Washington.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
23 July 2025
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Even critics who considered his policies cruel and racist – and there were many – admitted that behind the bluster there was the charm of a true believer.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
Noun
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There was the usual chatter about 'whether to rest the starters or not', but they good guys weren't going to lay down and hand those cocky Patriots a 16-0 record.—
Geoffrey Knox,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
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The Broadway producer also responds and then shuts down the recent social media chatter about the years-old debacle.—
John Lawson,
Essence,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bombast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombast. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
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