OSTENTATIOUS Synonyms: 162 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'ostentatious' different from other adjectives like it?

The words pretentious and showy are common synonyms of ostentatious . While all three words mean "given to excessive outward display," ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade. // the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pretentious' instead of 'ostentatious'?

The synonyms pretentious and ostentatious are sometimes interchangeable, but pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing. // a pretentious parade of hard words

Q: When could 'showy' be used to replace 'ostentatious'?

The words showy and ostentatious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste. // the performers' showy costumes

ostentatious

adjective

ˌä-stən-ˈtā-shəs

Definition of ostentatious next

as in loud

excessively showy wears an ostentatious diamond ring on his little finger

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in arrogant

self-consciously trying to present an appearance of grandeur or importance an ostentatious man who desperately wants to impress people with his newly acquired wealth

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ostentatious different from other adjectives like it?

The words pretentious and showy are common synonyms of ostentatious. While all three words mean "given to excessive outward display," ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade.

the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

When is it sensible to use pretentious instead of ostentatious?

The synonyms pretentious and ostentatious are sometimes interchangeable, but pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing.

a pretentious parade of hard words

When could showy be used to replace ostentatious?

The words showy and ostentatious are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste.

the performers' showy costumes

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of ostentatious There’s a less ostentatious round button for triggering the adaptive cruise control, although this doesn’t have elaborate steering assistance. —

James Morris, Fortune Europe, 6 Oct. 2024 Projects like these seem to solidify Dubai’s reputation as an ostentatious, artificial desert oasis. —

Jennifer Leigh Parker, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 But Gwyneth Paltrow, not one to stray from her style, is abiding by the French method of dressing, shying away from the more ostentatious style that fashion week is known for. —

Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2024 The most ostentatious sin in the name of simplicity, though, are the driver’s controls for the vehicle’s four power windows. —

Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ostentatious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ostentatious

Adjective

The keyboard's scissor-switch mechanisms are nearly soundless affairs and a welcome contrast to the loud clacking of a mechanical keyboard.

PCMAG, PCMAG, 7 Nov. 2024
Throughout the building there are also devices that measure audio levels and can even pinpoint which individual fans are the loudest.

Andrew Greif, NBC News, 6 Nov. 2024