vaunted

adjective

vaunt·​ed ˈvȯn-təd How to pronounce vaunted (audio)
ˈvän-
: highly or widely praised or boasted about
his own much vaunted ferocityCalvin 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for vaunted

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of vaunt entry 1

First Known Use

1567, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vaunted was in 1567

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Cite this Entry

“Vaunted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vaunted. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

vaunted

adjective
vaunt·​ed ˈvȯnt-əd How to pronounce vaunted (audio)
ˈvänt-
: much praised or boasted about
the team's vaunted offense

More from Merriam-Webster on vaunted

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