Grandiose

usgb/ˈɡrændiəʊs/
adjective

Something that is very big, impressive, or made to seem more important or impressive than it needs to be.

The politician's grandiose promises were nothing more than empty words.
Visual representation of "grandiose" - Something that is very big, impressive, or made to seem more important or impressive than it needs to be.

Often appears as...

  • grandiose ideas
  • grandiose plans
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "grandiose"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Excessively Fancy

Use 'grandiose' to describe things overly decorative or complicated, suggesting impracticality or showiness.

Illustration for Excessively Fancy
The wedding had grandiose decorations that overshadowed the ceremony itself.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Scaled-Up Reality

'Grandiose' is often used to exaggerate an actual quality, making something ordinary seem extraordinary.

Illustration for Scaled-Up Reality
She described her modest home as a grandiose palace to impress her friends.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Critical Tone

When calling plans or ideas grandiose, the speaker may be skeptically pointing out they're overly ambitious.

Illustration for Critical Tone
His grandiose business scheme seemed unrealistic to potential investors.
Word comparison image

Compare with

bombasticelaborateexaggerateflamboyanceornateostentatiouspretentiousshowy
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Visual representation of the word "Grandiose"

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