POMPOUSNESS Synonyms: 128 Similar and Opposite Words

pompousness

noun

Definition of pompousness

as in arrogance

an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims offended by the pompousness of the minor official

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in vanity

an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements the pompousness of the self-made billionaire was evident in the gaudy mansion he built for himself

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of pompousness Any claim for Swift’s genius should reckon with her lapses into imprecision and pompousness. — Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pompousness

Noun

What might seem arrogance in others feels merely reasonable coming from her.

— Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
But while that might suggest arrogance, Dawson’s answer to another question reflects humility.

— Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of arrogance

Noun

The bathroom brings that rich blue into focus with its gilded vanity and various textures.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 26 Aug. 2026
Nine-foot stainless-steel screens, originally designed to keep fish from swimming into dams, were reshaped into curved, airfoil-like vanity doors.

— David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of vanity

Noun

One side is struggling to turn military superiority into lasting political gains, while the other may need only to survive to claim victory.

— Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
The protagonist is legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi, depicted as a young samurai who arrives in Kyoto determined to prove his superiority with the blade.

— Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026

Definition of superiority

Noun

The fact that both quarterbacks checked their ego at the door has impressed North Stars coach Rob Pomazak.

— Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Sometimes, even when the prosecutor involved almost certainly knows something other than justice is in the works, there is a momentum of ego and bureaucracy that is hard to reverse.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ego

Noun

Harris credited his defensive line and said the team takes pride in being a hard team to run against.

— Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026
In short, Parton may not have claimed to be a feminist, but her feminist fans claimed her just the same — with pride and affection.

— ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of pride

Noun

The demon was largely limited to one expression — smugness — and was inexplicably the only character who spoke Japanese.

— Corbin Bolies, Variety, 10 June 2026
One widespread subspecies endemic to the area is the haughty Cardinal, recognized by its bright-red plumage and smugness about winning a dozen National League Central crowns.

— Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 31 May 2026

Definition of smugness

Browse Nearby Words

pompously

pompousness

poncho

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“Pompousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pompousness. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of pompousness

noun

Example Sentences

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