# bombastic

/bɑmˈbæstɪk/ (US) · /bəmbˈɑːstɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bombastic
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

full of big, showy words that try to sound important but often sound empty. You use it for speeches or writing that feel too grand for what they say.

For teachers: characterized by inflated, pompous language intended to impress but lacking real substance. Often describes speeches, writing, or rhetoric.

## Examples

- His speech sounds bombastic and hard to follow.
- The manager's bombastic email uses long words but says little about the new schedule.
- Behind the candidate's bombastic promises of instant renewal lay vague plans that collapsed under careful questioning from journalists.

## Synonyms

pompous, grandiose, pretentious, inflated, flowery, overblown

## Antonyms

plain, simple, modest, understated

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.