ostentatious

[ os-ten-tey-shuhs, -tuhn- ]

adjective

1. characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others:

   an ostentatious dresser.

2. (of actions, manner, qualities exhibited, etc.) intended to attract notice:

   Lady Bountiful's ostentatious charity.

Other Words From

• osten·tatious·ly adverb
• osten·tatious·ness noun
• unos·ten·tatious adjective
• unos·ten·tatious·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ostentatious¹

First recorded in 1650–60; ostentat(ion) + -ious

Synonym Study

See grandiose.

Example Sentences

I’d never been a fan of Donald Trump’s brand of ostentatious wealth and womanizing.

From Salon

One unaffiliated voter who said he planned to vote for Democrats across the board described himself as being part of a “silent majority” in Nassau County, noting that Trump supporters tended to be more ostentatious in expressing their political leanings and that many of their neighbors supporting Gillen or Vice President Kamala Harris were anxious about putting signs on their lawns, for example.

From Salon

“On paper, Ignite’s CEO was Bilzerian’s son D.B. — a professional poker player who gained notoriety on social media for his glamorous and ostentatious lifestyle,” the U.S. attorney’s office in L.A. said in a news release.

From Los Angeles Times

Her easy-going, good-natured nature, her cool confidence, her amazing culinary skills, the way she's never "doing too much," as many reality TV competitors often do — Izard merely cooked to an amazing degree, treated others normally and presented herself as a formidable contender, never getting ostentatious or boastful — just simply cooking exceptional food and letting that speak for itself.

From Salon

While many of the spectators sported incredible hair styles, smelled like department stores and wore Cartier bracelets and Italian leather loafers, I had expected significantly more ostentatious energy than I actually witnessed.

From Salon

Related Words

• classy
• conspicuous
• extravagant
• flamboyant
• garish
• gaudy
• glittery
• jaunty
• splashy
• swank