grandiosity

noun

Definition of grandiositynext
as in affectation
the quality or state of appearing or trying to appear more important or more valuable than is the case I'd rather be thought of as a person with simple integrity, not a person given to grandiosity and exaggeration

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of grandiosity Fascism became fashionable for a time, even if it was rooted in self-grandiosity, narcissistic grievance, and sadistic vengeance. — Literary Hub, 27 Apr. 2026 Griffith’s own work looks stiff and sentimental, weighed down with melodrama and grandiosity that may have seemed dated even in 1915. — Vivian Yee, New York Times, 20 June 2026 Set in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the grandiosity of MoMA is deceptive. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026 Such desperate attempts at grandiosity evoke empty vanity, clutching at physical monuments to prove a greatness that history has not yet conferred. — Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Fortune, 13 Apr. 2026 Entrepreneurs displaying narcissistic behavior are better able to convince investors to give them money when their grandiosity comes across as confidence as opposed to defensiveness or arrogance. — Paul Sanchez Ruiz, The Conversation, 6 Apr. 2026 The doctor further explained that the traits of a narcissist encompass low empathy, arrogance, entitlement, grandiosity and pathological selfishness. — Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026 People with bipolar disorder cycle through extended periods of mania and depression, often accompanied by grandiosity or elevated self-esteem during manic phases. — Angela Haupt, Time, 11 June 2026 For more than 50 years, mental health literature has taught professionals about narcissistic behavior, with its grandiosity, exaggerated need for praise, inability to admit error, and turning setbacks into personal grievances. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for grandiosity
  1. affectation
  2. arrogance
  3. pretension
  4. vanity
  5. pretense
Noun
  • In the wrong hands, those points of reference could land like an affectation, but instead, the band’s embrace of them feels genuine.
    — Nick Laskin, Pitchfork, 20 May 2026
  • The 33-year-old Indianapolis native can trace its origins to a natural inclination toward performing and a lifelong admiration of Diane Sawyer and Katie Couric, but there's no step-by-step guide on how Sullivan mastered the affectation.
    — Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 4 May 2026
Definition of affectation
Noun
  • Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down.
    — Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026
  • In Episode 3, Harris discussed the early arrogance of the founding fathers who made proposals for America's independence and questioned who was entitled to freedom.
    — Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 June 2026
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • Impartial, fact-finding and without pretension, Burns turns his camera to our history in a sober-but-not-boring manner.
    — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 June 2026
  • To adore the literary greats but reject any modicum of pretension?
    — Adrienne LaFrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026
Definition of pretension
Noun
  • The bathroom is nearby and contains a vanity sink, a walk-in shower, and an incinerating toilet – which literally turns waste into ash.
    — Adam Williams July 01, New Atlas, 1 July 2026
  • The hotel’s wellness focus extends to the bathrooms, which boast walk-in showers, claw-foot soaking tubs, and double-sink marble vanities embellished with ornate gilt mirrors.
    — Veronica M. Stoddart, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2026
Definition of vanity
Noun
  • Trimpey also faces a felony charge of obtaining money by false pretenses.
    — Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
  • In the suit, Ibrahim alleges that he was lured to the gym under the pretense of a challenge and was ambushed by Watson, a co-owner of the gym and two other men.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
Definition of pretense

Browse Nearby Words

grandiosely
grandiosity
grandly
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Grandiosity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/grandiosity. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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