1
as in arrogance
an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims
restaurant reviews that are written with a pomposity that will leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in vanity
an often unjustified feeling of being pleased with oneself or with one's situation or achievements
his over-the-top trophy mansion should give you some idea of his pomposity
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pomposity
Right now, his focus is on doing eight shows a week, while injecting a Big Easy swing to the Major General’s pomposity.
—
Brent Lang, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025
His boisterous persona was more comical than confrontational, a hot-air balloon of strutting pomposity punctured by his family.
—Jim McKairnes, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
Lacking the pop cultural connection of Vox Lux, The Brutalist’s pomposity becomes unrelatable, if not repugnant.
—Armond White, National Review, 3 Jan. 2025
Lowden acknowledges River’s aristocratic pomposity but also sees in the character a genuine care for his colleagues and family, particularly his devotion to his aging grandfather.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pomposity
Brent Lang, Variety, 30 Apr. 2025
His boisterous persona was more comical than confrontational, a hot-air balloon of strutting pomposity punctured by his family.
—Jim McKairnes, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025
Lacking the pop cultural connection of Vox Lux, The Brutalist’s pomposity becomes unrelatable, if not repugnant.
—Armond White, National Review, 3 Jan. 2025
Lowden acknowledges River’s aristocratic pomposity but also sees in the character a genuine care for his colleagues and family, particularly his devotion to his aging grandfather.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024
See All Example Sentences for pomposity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pomposity
Noun
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The doctor further explained that the traits of a narcissist encompass low empathy, arrogance, entitlement, grandiosity and pathological selfishness.—
Brie Stimson,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
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They both, in a good way, reek of confidence – not arrogance but confidence.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
26 Apr. 2026
Noun
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The elevated bamboo design looks sleek in any space, whether used as a writing desk, makeup vanity, or side table, and has earned numerous five-star ratings for its sturdiness, quality, and ease of assembly.—
Mariana Best,
Better Homes & Gardens,
26 Apr. 2026
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There’s space to spread out, too, with notably generous layouts and extra-large bathroom vanities.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
25 Apr. 2026
Noun
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There are those who once thought that the superiority of machines would cause a crisis for chess—and for humanity.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
26 Apr. 2026
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Piech wanted to show off the superiority of VW Group’s engineering.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But that order is built on ego, not psychology.—
Daren Smith,
IndieWire,
29 Apr. 2026
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In a rollicking monologue, Fry described all opera as comedy, tragedy merely being the result of idiotic egos incapable of levity.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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When the Page Six item first appeared, The Athletic supported me unequivocally, expressed confidence in my work and pride in my journalism.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
29 Apr. 2026
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Fahey provided her own source of pride, too.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Excitement—and smugness—hangs in London’s air since the city has gained its own outpost of the sceney eatery.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
23 Apr. 2026
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Their attitude, their smugness was palpable.—
Kels Dayton,
Hartford Courant,
21 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pomposity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pomposity. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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