Grandiose
mediumGRAN-dee-ohs
adjective
Definition
Impressive or magnificent but often exaggerated or pretentious
Examples
“His grandiose plans never materialized.”
“The dictator built grandiose monuments to himself.”
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
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
enormity
The great or extreme scale of something bad; a grave crime or sin
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