bombastic

adjective

bom·​bas·​tic bäm-ˈba-stik 

: 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

bombastically

bäm-ˈba-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• flatulent
• fustian
• gaseous
• gassy
• grandiloquent
• oratorical
• orotund
• rhetorical
• rhetoric
• windy

Examples of bombastic in a Sentence

a bombastic speech intended to impress the voters in her congressional district

Recent Examples on the Web

O’Brien has a very specific brand of humor that mixes the bombastic and the surreal with a biting sharpness and a healthy dose of self depreciation. —Rosa Escandon, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025

Even in recognizing his affinity for James Cagney, whose button-nose and short stature contrasted against his bombastic presence, Hackman is registering the type of Hollywood actor that created a space for themselves rather than worked to fit any mold. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 1 Mar. 2025

The bottom line: State law gives the board significant authority over election operations, and Heap's bombastic negotiation approach is unlikely to encourage the supervisors to hand over that power. —Jessica Boehm, Axios, 26 Feb. 2025

Green, the bombastic Warriors star, made headlines over the All-Star break by declaring that the Warriors are going to win the championship. —Danny Emerman, The Mercury News, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

bombast + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

1660, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for bombastic

• aplastic
• dynastic
• dysplastic
• elastic
• fantastic
• gymnastic
• monastic
• sarcastic
• scholastic
• silastic
• stochastic
• aeroelastic