1
as in rhetorical
full of fine words and fancy expressions
poets in the 19th century tended to write poetry filled with grandiloquent phrases
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pontifical
marked by the use of impressive-sounding but mostly meaningless words and phrases
at Independence Day celebrations grandiloquent speeches by local politicians are as traditional as fireworks
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Recent Examples of grandiloquent
Reform—Within Reason Malthus aimed to puncture Godwin’s grandiloquent progressivism.
—
Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandiloquent
Adjective
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The rhetorical support from Pritzker has been followed by millions of dollars in financial support from our billionaire governor.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Feb. 2026
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But Dreher has also given plenty of rhetorical support to Trump’s demolition agenda.—
Robert F. Worth,
The Atlantic,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The bishops further authorized a new edition of the Roman Pontifical for pontifical Masses, expected to be completed by 2027, with Vatican approval pending for some rites, according to the Catholic News Agency.—
Jordan King,
MSNBC Newsweek,
13 Nov. 2025
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In its report, the pontifical commission highlights failures in the Italian church.—
Christopher Lamb,
CNN Money,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Male pufferfish that are trying to win over a female run their fins along the sand, creating ornate circles and patterns to attract a date.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
13 Feb. 2026
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The dining room is truly beautiful, decorated with hanging lights, colorful furniture, paper flowers, and an ornate ofrenda.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Whereas Apollo space suits were akin to wearing an inflated balloon that greatly hindered motion, the AxEMU is designed with flexible joints that give astronauts mobility to kneel, jog or even do the splits.—
K. R. Callaway,
Scientific American,
5 Feb. 2026
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Haber said in these contracts, Coto agreed to pay inflated prices for services for the building, including cleaning, security and maintenance.—
Catherine Odom
February 5,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Crosby has always been quiet and composed, while Ovechkin barreled into the league all bombastic and boyish.—
Mark Lazerus,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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His singing voice is an astonishing instrument, recalling David Bowie’s theatrics and Roy Orbison’s bombastic vocal style.—
Millan Verma,
Pitchfork,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Grandiloquent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grandiloquent. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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