bombastic

adjective

bom·​bas·​tic bäm-ˈba-stik How to pronounce bombastic (audio)
Synonyms of bombastic
: marked by or given to speech or writing that is given exaggerated importance by artificial or empty means : marked by or given to bombast : pompous, overblown
The spots that ran before the title game were even more bombastic: "The greatest rivalry ever …"—Franz Lidz
bombastically
bäm-ˈba-sti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce bombastic (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of bombastic

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Examples of bombastic in a Sentence

a bombastic speech intended to impress the voters in her congressional district
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The trailer for The Magician’s Nephew premiered in front of a full Imax theater in the AMC at Lincoln Square, revealing a first look at Gerwig’s bombastic, epic spectacle. — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 13 Oct. 2026 On its face, the fair, slated for June 25 to July 10, was a bombastic mess. — Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026 Curtis’ discomfort, and ours, builds to a tense crescendo during Digger’s bombastic speech in front of the European Parliament. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 7 Oct. 2026 Half of those surveyed said Trump’s desire to stand up to Carney isn’t worth the cost, and 44 percent believe that the bombastic president’s tough trade stance could not only raise prices, but risk American jobs. — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bombastic

Word History

Etymology

bombast + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1648, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bombastic was in 1648

Rhymes for bombastic

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Browse Nearby Words

bombaster
bombastic
bombastry
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Cite this Entry

“Bombastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bombastic. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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