Bombast: meaning, definitions and examples

Used formally to describe speech or writing that is meant to sound important or impressive but is not sincere or meaningful.

• The politician's speech was full of bombast, promising the impossible

Typically used to describe a person who acts in a self-important, arrogant, or ostentatious manner. It has a negative connotation.

• His pompousness was evident when he interrupted everyone to tell them how to do their jobs

Often used in a literary or rhetorical context to denote a lofty, extravagantly colorful, pompous, or bombastic style, manner, or quality, especially in language. It can imply a sense of exaggeration.

• Her grandiloquence during the award ceremony made her seem out of touch with reality

Applied broadly to the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing. It is neutral by itself but can have negative connotations when referring to language that is insincere or misleading.

• The senator’s rhetoric during the debate was aimed at appealing to emotions rather than presenting concrete facts

Used when referring to language that is overly complex and inflated to impress others, often without much substance.

• The politician's speech was full of bombast, but it lacked real solutions.
• His bombast during the presentation made it difficult to understand the main points.

Used to describe behavior or language that shows an unrealistic sense of superiority and self-importance. Often has a slightly negative connotation.

• Her grandiosity made her difficult to work with because she always thought she knew best.
• The grandiosity of the event was meant to impress, but many found it over the top.

Used in everyday situations where something is described as more important or serious than it actually is, not necessarily with negative connotations.

• Saying she has a million shoes is a bit of an exaggeration.
• His claim that he could lift 200 pounds was an exaggeration.

Typically used in informal or literary contexts to indicate deliberate and obvious exaggeration for effect or humor.

• I'm so hungry I could eat a horse is a common hyperbole.
• He used hyperbole to make his stories more entertaining.