1
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude
the pompous waiter served us in the manner of a person doing some poor soul a great favor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in smug
having too high an opinion of oneself
a pompous piano teacher who thought that the music world was lucky to have her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pretentious
self-consciously trying to present an appearance of grandeur or importance
a pompous gambling casino decorated to look like a palace in ancient Rome
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pompous
Jain didn’t barge onto the scene with the pompous bravado as many others do.
—
Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The entire episode elicits the kind of pompous stench that has long prompted ill feelings toward Michigan — a sentiment magnified by the actions and attitudes that led to the investigation at hand.
—Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 14 May 2025
The suit also paints a clownish portrait of the entrepreneur, portraying him as pompous, shameless, and untrustworthy.
—Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025
The magic of blasting down a wall of water balanced on a few pounds of Styrofoam doesn’t typically translate to the rectangular page; too many efforts feel pompous, ponderous or preening.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pompous
Alexander Puutio, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
The entire episode elicits the kind of pompous stench that has long prompted ill feelings toward Michigan — a sentiment magnified by the actions and attitudes that led to the investigation at hand.
—Mitch Sherman, New York Times, 14 May 2025
The suit also paints a clownish portrait of the entrepreneur, portraying him as pompous, shameless, and untrustworthy.
—Rachel Corbett, Vulture, 16 Apr. 2025
The magic of blasting down a wall of water balanced on a few pounds of Styrofoam doesn’t typically translate to the rectangular page; too many efforts feel pompous, ponderous or preening.
—Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pompous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pompous
Adjective
-
In 2022, Ackles joined the cast of Prime Video's The Boys as arrogant superhero Soldier Boy.—
Brianne Tracy,
People.com,
4 July 2025
-
Her larger-than-life ego and past as a shaman make Player 044 come off as arrogant and selfish, getting under just about everyone's skin.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
4 July 2025
Adjective
-
In Superman, Bennett steps into the shoes of Steve Lombard, the Daily Planet's smug sports reporter.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
28 June 2025
-
One of Ferrell’s biggest and best movies was this hilarious racing spoof, which followed the rise and fall and rise of a smug champion racer, his complicated friendship with best pal and fellow racer John C. Reilly, and his rivalry with an effete, snotty Frenchman played by Sacha Baron Cohen.—
Bilge Ebiri,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Sitting in a room full of pretentious ex-friends and mentally eviscerating them all is a universal human experience.—
Literary Hub
July 1,
Literary Hub,
1 July 2025
-
And a slightly surreal, fantastical closing scene is puzzling and pretentious rather than provocative.—
Stephen Farber,
HollywoodReporter,
16 June 2025
Adjective
-
Local entrepreneur and proud Macedonian Gordana Traycoff will lead the discussion with an evening of storytelling and cultural discovery.—
Post-Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
14 July 2025
-
In the post, the proud single mom shared throwback photos of her with her eldest son and daughter.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
14 July 2025
Adjective
-
Since then, grandiose rivers of tulle have streamed through celebrity ceremonies like fast-rushing water: from Sophia Richie to Paris Hilton, Naomi Biden, Nicola Peltz Beckham and Millie Bobby Brown.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
30 June 2025
-
Seon-nyeo and Jeong-dae have successfully arrived at an exit, but her grandiose personality gives Jeong-dae the window to push her aside and slam the door shut behind him.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
27 June 2025
Adjective
-
Such an obvious way to exhibit his egotistical personality.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2025
-
Responding to questions from defense lawyer Teny Geragos, Jane agreed that Combs became more apologetic and attentive, less egotistical and cold.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
13 June 2025
Adjective
-
Season 1 saw them and their nearly grown children, Larry (Harry Richardson) and Gladys (Taissa Farmiga), move into an ostentatious mansion on old-money 61st St. Bertha set about scheming to rule high society the way her husband dominated business.—
Judy Berman,
Time,
20 June 2025
-
The president has a history of being fascinated with ostentatious military displays, and some of his critics have brought up concerns about both the cost and optics.—
Tara Suter,
The Hill,
12 June 2025
Adjective
-
Some waved flags, some rode on shoulders and, over the noise, dozens tried in vain to call back home where the sun was just rising.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
-
Since then, other Dohn administrators have tried in vain to clean up the 24-year-old school's financial mess and support its 1,600 students.—
Madeline Mitchell,
The Enquirer,
3 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pompous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pompous. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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