Grandiose
mediumNegative toneGRAN-dee-ohs
adjective
Definition
Impressive or magnificent but often exaggerated or pretentious
Memory hook
GRAND-IOSE: trying to be GRAND but overdoing it — impressive-sounding but impractical or pompous.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His grandiose plans never materialized.”
“The dictator built grandiose monuments to himself.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ plans never materialized.”
Show answer
grandiose
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Grandiose is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "pompous" or "pretentious" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "modest".
Related GRE Words
pompous
Affectedly and irritatingly grand or self-important
pretentious
Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance than actually possessed
grandiloquent
pompous or inflated in language; using lofty, bombastic speech
bombastic
High-sounding but with little meaning; inflated or pretentious language
ostentatious
Characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; showy
vainglorious
Excessively proud of oneself or one's achievements; boastful
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