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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bombast
On the face of it, a clash of bombast against guile; in reality, though Fonseca’s weight of shot ultimately triumphed, a showcase of two very multi-faceted talents.
—
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
The Townshend-esque vibe is much stronger on Argent's original version of this song, but Kiss' reinvention is a vast improvement, weeding out the prog-rock bombast while venturing into Mott the Hoople territory.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The president’s bombast and capriciousness have led many European countries to increase their defense spending—a positive outcome, to be sure, and not inherently at odds with the notion of a unified, geopolitical West.
—Stewart Patrick, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2025
Ciel Dubai Marina This record-breaking approach is emblematic of the intent and sheer bombast with which Dubai is reshaping the travel and tourism market, with a strong focus on foreign investment and wealthy visitors.
—Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bombast
Matthew Futterman, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025
The Townshend-esque vibe is much stronger on Argent's original version of this song, but Kiss' reinvention is a vast improvement, weeding out the prog-rock bombast while venturing into Mott the Hoople territory.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The president’s bombast and capriciousness have led many European countries to increase their defense spending—a positive outcome, to be sure, and not inherently at odds with the notion of a unified, geopolitical West.
—Stewart Patrick, Foreign Affairs, 18 Sep. 2025
Ciel Dubai Marina This record-breaking approach is emblematic of the intent and sheer bombast with which Dubai is reshaping the travel and tourism market, with a strong focus on foreign investment and wealthy visitors.
—Duncan Madden, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bombast
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bombast
Noun
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The image and the rhetoric are not only unfair but untrue, said Marlene.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
31 Jan. 2026
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Hostile video appears on screen During a presentation, a video of a man shouting anti‑Israeli rhetoric appeared on the screen.—
Erin Jones,
CBS News,
31 Jan. 2026
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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Timmy’s Marty promotional tour was loud and brash — viral Zoom videos, Soulja Boy routines in Brazil, standing atop the Sphere in Las Vegas — and had a lot of people wondering if his decision to adopt a Marty Mauser-style braggadocio would ultimately hurt his chances to win over Oscar voters.—
Vulture Editors,
Vulture,
12 Jan. 2026
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But the tonal change from braggadocio to lionization is notable, Reisman slipping at times into the giddiness of a die-hard fan meeting their idols.—
Julien Levy,
Rolling Stone,
27 Dec. 2025
Noun
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Hammy magniloquence risks alienating viewers, not just for an evening but for life, as does obscurity.—
The Economist,
The Economist,
15 Mar. 2018
Noun
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To his credit, after bravado and bluster turned to reasoning and reality, Riley moved off his championship-or-bust mentality.—
Ira Winderman,
Sun Sentinel,
31 Jan. 2026
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In other words, fewer than one in three of his trade salvos ever make it past the bluster phase.—
Tracy Alloway,
Bloomberg,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
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There was some chatter about Alshon’s over-poaching in the final, but sometimes a super-dominant male strategy works.—
Todd Boss,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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Still, his worst game of the year — a four-interception outing in a Week 10 loss to the Rams — again prompted chatter about his ability to perform in the biggest games.—
Peter Sblendorio,
Hartford Courant,
26 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bombast.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bombast. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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