Bombast

Bombast refers to pretentious, inflated, or pompous language, often used to impress or deceive. It involves using elaborate and extravagant words and phrases that sound important but often lack genuine meaning or substance. This inflated style can be found in speech or writing, and frequently masks a lack of originality, thoughtfulness, or clarity. The effect is usually one of artificiality, sounding overly dramatic or self-important and can be perceived as pretentious and even comical if done excessively. It can sometimes be seen as an attempt to disguise intellectual shortcomings.

Bombast meaning with examples

• The politician's speech was filled with bombast, using grandiose pronouncements about national greatness, yet offering few concrete solutions to the pressing economic issues. It seemed more like a theatrical performance than a serious discussion. His audience noticed and quickly tuned out.
• Critics dismissed the author's new novel as bombast, filled with flowery descriptions and convoluted sentences that served little purpose other than to showcase the writer's perceived vocabulary. The story's plot was overshadowed by the excessive wordiness. They were left with no clear understanding of the core message.
• The marketing campaign employed significant bombast, promising extraordinary results with exaggerated claims that were ultimately unfulfilled. It was later considered a major failure, and its claims brought on scrutiny. Many customers felt tricked by the empty promises that were made.
• Despite his undeniable talent, the young actor’s performances occasionally suffered from bombast, resulting in the excessive use of dramatic gestures and vocal inflections, which distracted from the emotional truth of the scenes, causing audiences to be underwhelmed.