1
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude
the pompous waiter served us in the manner of a person doing some poor soul a great favor
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in smug
having too high an opinion of oneself
a pompous piano teacher who thought that the music world was lucky to have her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in pretentious
self-consciously trying to present an appearance of grandeur or importance
a pompous gambling casino decorated to look like a palace in ancient Rome
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pompous
And more than any other animal, cats represented to her its moral antithesis: lazy, pompous, interested only in themselves.
—
Literary Hub, 6 June 2025
At 11:30, as the simultaneously pompous and obsequious gate agent announces the passengers above gold status, the bit, already tilting toward insanity, leaves any attempt to portray a real airport behind and dives fully into Alice in Wonderland–level surrealism.
—John Roy, Vulture, 8 May 2025
Signaling a stark departure from tradition that, over the centuries, had ranged from formal to pompous, Pope Francis began teaching us, from day one, what the most genuine leadership looks like.
Humble.
—Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
The film will follow a pompous food critic (Roth) and the earnest son-of-a-chef (Fernández) who must outcook, outrun, and outwit a ruthless queen-pin (Higareda Howes) in order to save the son’s family restaurant – and themselves.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pompous
Literary Hub, 6 June 2025
At 11:30, as the simultaneously pompous and obsequious gate agent announces the passengers above gold status, the bit, already tilting toward insanity, leaves any attempt to portray a real airport behind and dives fully into Alice in Wonderland–level surrealism.
—John Roy, Vulture, 8 May 2025
Signaling a stark departure from tradition that, over the centuries, had ranged from formal to pompous, Pope Francis began teaching us, from day one, what the most genuine leadership looks like.
Humble.
—Eli Amdur, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
The film will follow a pompous food critic (Roth) and the earnest son-of-a-chef (Fernández) who must outcook, outrun, and outwit a ruthless queen-pin (Higareda Howes) in order to save the son’s family restaurant – and themselves.
—Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 7 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pompous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pompous
Adjective
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Depicting Americans as arrogant, loud, boorish and demeaning of other cultures, the term has stuck and is still mentioned 60-plus years later.—
Jenny Peters,
Oc Register,
4 Aug. 2025
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The most radical overhaul of the tax code in our state’s history would require voter approval in November 2026, and that starts by portraying local governments as cartoonishly arrogant, bloated and unaccountable.—
Orlando Sentinel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
26 July 2025
Adjective
-
Bertha was right, George is being a jerk, and Larry needs to wipe that smug smile off his face.—
Kathryn VanArendonk,
Vulture,
11 Aug. 2025
-
And no scripture condones the smug enjoyment of it.—
Hannah Sacks,
People.com,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
Though Dirty Dom’s in-ring debut began in 2020, the pretentious son of Rey Mysterio Jr. inherited his slick ways from iconic WWE superstar Eddie Guerrero.—
Carl Lamarre,
Billboard,
7 Aug. 2025
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Brands that create fabulous-looking but pompous and pretentious campaigns just feel inauthentic.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
31 July 2025
Adjective
-
The proud West End native's work at Cincinnati Preschool Promise goes above and beyond her job description.—
Grace Tucker,
The Enquirer,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Beatrice is also the proud new patron of Borne, a medical research charity endeavoring to end premature birth.—
Janine Henni,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Sitting on just shy of 3.5 acres, the grandiose 1920s home underwent a meticulous three-year renovation by architect Ira Grandberg but retains a charming, old-world feel.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
30 July 2025
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One was at the Tonga Room, the famed tiki bar hidden deep inside the Fairmont Hotel in Nob Hill, known for its grandiose decor and giant indoor pool.—
Daniel Bromfield,
Mercury News,
28 July 2025
Adjective
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Cena gets to show off his mane of hair while playing Peacemaker, the egotistical vigilante that made his debut in 2021's Suicide Squad and now leads the acclaimed HBO Max series also starring Danielle Brooks, Freddie Stroma, and Jennifer Holland.—
Mekishana Pierre,
EW.com,
6 Aug. 2025
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Such an obvious way to exhibit his egotistical personality.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
22 June 2025
Adjective
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With pilasters, a limestone facade, and classic symmetrical design, the three-story building exemplifies the Beaux-Arts style popular at the turn of the 20th century, grand but not ostentatious.—
Irene S. Levine,
Forbes.com,
5 Aug. 2025
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Larrañaga presented a range of ideas, from conservative to ostentatious, to the couple.—
Daniel Cote,
Robb Report,
4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
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Beforehand, Quiet tries to comfort John and reassure him that Dollface’s death won’t be in vain.—
Rafael Motamayor,
Vulture,
14 Aug. 2025
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Needless to say, all these vain, privileged, self-promoting jerks are soon going to make CW’s acquaintance, then regret it — even as vengeful Madison zeroes in on that lady’s whereabouts.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pompous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pompous. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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