Bombastic
hardNegative tonebom-BAS-tik
adjective
Definition
High-sounding but with little meaning; inflated or pretentious language
Memory hook
BOMB-ASTIC: speech that BOMBS because it's padded with big empty words — pompous and inflated.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The CEO's bombastic speeches impressed no one.”
“Critics dismissed the novel's bombastic prose as overwrought.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The CEO's ______ speeches impressed no one.”
Show answer
bombastic
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Bombastic is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "grandiloquent" or "pompous" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "understated".
Related GRE Words
grandiloquent
pompous or inflated in language; using lofty, bombastic speech
vainglorious
Excessively proud of oneself or one's achievements; boastful
acrimonious
Bitter and sharp in language or tone; caustic
aphoristic
Containing or characterized by aphorisms; concise and memorable
aver
to state or assert to be true confidently
circumlocutory
Using many words where fewer would do; roundabout in expression
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