oomph

noun

ˈu̇m(p)f 

1

: personal charm or magnetism : glamour

2

: sex appeal

3

: punch, vitality

Synonyms

• beans
• bounce
• brio
• dash
• drive
• dynamism
• energy
• esprit
• gas
• get-up-and-go
• ginger
• go
• gusto
• hardihood
• juice
• life
• moxie
• pep
• punch
• sap
• snap
• starch
• verve
• vigor
• vim
• vinegar
• vitality
• zing
• zip

Examples of oomph in a Sentence

The plot of the story lacks oomph.

The truck doesn't have the oomph to haul the boat.

Recent Examples on the Web

There's a diesel engine that offers similar power or for those after further oomph, there's also a 190 bhp option that's mated to a 4WD system. —Matthew MacConnell, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

The Rangers don’t have the offensive oomph to outscore their problems, a major reason the situation has gotten this dire. —Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 31 Dec. 2024

Despite its deep conditioning properties, the face moisturizer is actually on the lightweight side yet provides the necessary oomph to improve skin elasticity. —Jessie Quinn, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024

Daniels and Chase brought more oomph to their characters’ romantic entanglement, which has left Lady Larken happily if inconveniently with child, a springboard for the whole screwy marital plot. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

imitative of a sound made under exertion

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined at sense 1