: highly or widely praised or boasted about
his own much vaunted ferocity—
Calvin Tomkins
Calvin Tomkins
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Vaunted Has Latin Roots
The verb vaunt has been used since the 15th century with the meaning "to make a vain display of one's own worth or attainments"—in other words, "to brag or boast." Over time, vaunt developed the meaning "to boast of (something)," as in "the promotional flier vaunts the natural beauty of the area," and gave rise to the adjectival form vaunted. The history of vaunt and vaunted leads back to the Latin word vānus, meaning "vain" or "empty." The word vain itself is also a descendant of vānus.
Examples of vaunted in a Sentence
The team's vaunted defense faltered in the second half of the game.
Recent Examples on the Web
Bishop has repeatedly leaned into this history, conflating his situation with those of vaunted Civil Rights leaders, and blaming criticism or law enforcement on shadowy forces colluding to silence him.
—David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025
First base coach Quintin Berry, who oversaw the Brewers’ vaunted running game, left to join Counsell’s staff with the Cubs.
—Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
The cuts also hit CDC's vaunted Epidemic Intelligence Service — a training ground for epidemiologists who are on the front lines of public health responses.
—Tina Reed, Axios, 18 Feb. 2025
It’s motivated by last year’s second-round loss, and its vaunted defense – anchored by Barnes in net – is among the best in the state.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2025
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David Peisner, Rolling Stone, 23 Feb. 2025
First base coach Quintin Berry, who oversaw the Brewers’ vaunted running game, left to join Counsell’s staff with the Cubs.
—Ken Rosenthal, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
The cuts also hit CDC's vaunted Epidemic Intelligence Service — a training ground for epidemiologists who are on the front lines of public health responses.
—Tina Reed, Axios, 18 Feb. 2025
It’s motivated by last year’s second-round loss, and its vaunted defense – anchored by Barnes in net – is among the best in the state.
—Tom Mulherin, Boston Herald, 15 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vaunted
Cite this Entry
“Vaunted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vaunted. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vaunted
adjective
vaunt·ed
ˈvȯnt-əd 
ˈvänt-
: much praised or boasted about
the team's vaunted offense
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