Definitions

pompous

[pom-puhs] / ˈpɒm pəs /

ADJECTIVE

arrogant, egotistic

Synonyms

STRONGEST

boastful bombastic grandiose imperious overbearing presumptuous pretentious self-centered self-important selfish

WEAK

affected bloated conceited flatulent flaunting flowery fustian grandiloquent high-and-mighty high-flown highfalutin important inflated magisterial magniloquent narcissistic orotund ostentatious overblown pontifical portentous puffed-up rhetorical showy sonorous stuck-up supercilious turgid uppity vain vainglorious windy

Antonyms

STRONGEST

humble modest unselfish

WEAK

dull plain simple unassuming

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The result, typically, is more pompous than practical.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026

But because she’s telling the worst men what they want to hear, Stuckey has created space for herself to live out the usually male role of being the pompous bully who will brook no dissent.

From Salon • Dec. 1, 2025

His most “persistent hater,” the pompous moralist Cato the Censor, railed at Scipio’s unseemly pride and alleged corruption.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 16, 2025

But pompous Henrich and Victor don’t appreciate that their accomplishments are built on other’s sacrifices.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025

Gaunt imitated Ogden’s voice, making it pompous and singsong.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling

Vocabulary lists containing pompous

Flowers for Algernon

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Face It: Selfie Vocab

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

More Negative Words to Describe a Person

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!