bluster
14 synonyms for bluster, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Loud, blustering talk that is more show than substance; empty bravado.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
Loud, blustering talk that is more show than substance; empty bravado.
“Behind all the bluster, he had no real plan.”
How to use bluster
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
empty bluster
bluster and bravado
a bluster of wind
Etymology
From Middle English blusteren, originally meaning "to wander aimlessly," which later picked up the sense "to blow violently" from a Low German relative — the same family as blow and blast.
Full origin of bluster →Frequently asked questions
What does “bluster” mean?
The word “bluster” means loud, blustering talk that is more show than substance; empty bravado. In plain terms, loud, aggressive talk (or wind) with more noise than real force behind it.
How do you pronounce “bluster”?
“Bluster” is pronounced BLUHS-tuh (/ˈblʌs.tɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “bluster” in a sentence?
Here is “bluster” used in a sentence: “Behind all the bluster, he had no real plan.”
What part of speech is “bluster”?
Depending on how it is used, “bluster” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “bluster” come from?
The word “bluster” comes from Middle English. From Middle English blusteren, originally meaning "to wander aimlessly," which later picked up the sense "to blow violently" from a Low German relative — the same family as blow and blast.
How many meanings does “bluster” have?
“Bluster” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: loud, blustering talk that is more show than substance; empty bravado.
