adj
bombastic
Bombastic (adj) means using showy, elaborate language to sound impressive.
adj
1
Using showy, elaborate language to sound impressive.
"Dorsett came up the stairs, buggy whip in hand. He bustled into the office in his usual self‐important way. Frank noticed that the old clerk sat down on him promptly. He was not one bit impressed with the bombastic visitor from Greenville."
— Allen Chapman, Bound to Succeed (1907)
2
Sounding grand and important while actually meaning very little.
3
Loud, forceful and exaggerated in style; over the top.
4
Puffed up or filled out more than it needs to be.
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Etymology
From bombast (“padding, stuffing”) + -ic, 18th century. Sense evolution possibly influenced by unrelated bomb and bombard; see also bombard phrase.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for bombastic
See all rhymes for bombastic →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of bombastic?
"bombastic" (adj) means using showy, elaborate language to sound impressive.
What is another word for bombastic?
Other words for "bombastic" include turgid, orotund, declamatory, tumid, large.
What is the opposite of bombastic?
The opposite of "bombastic" is modest.
What are the different meanings of bombastic?
"bombastic" has 3 main meanings: 1. Using showy, elaborate language to sound impressive; 2. Sounding grand and important while actually meaning very little; 3. Loud, forceful and exaggerated in style; over the top.
