English Synonyms for Exaggeration and Grandiosity Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!
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Identify the synonyms of Exaggeration and Grandiosity words in this online English synonyms quiz. Find the closest synonym for 34 vocabulary words. For each word, choose the option with the same or closest meaning. Review your scorecard with red/green highlights to spot mistakes and track improvement.
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High-flown or inflated words and phrases, often used to impress or intimidate others.
It is marked by grandiosity, exaggeration, and a lack of sincerity. The term can also be used to describe writing or speech that is overly ornate and lacking in simplicity and clarity. In a sentence, "The lawyer's bombastic rhetoric failed to sway the jury, who found his argument hard to follow."
Complete Vocabulary List for Exaggeration and Grandiosity with Meanings, Synonyms, Examples, and Quiz Questions
bombastic (adjective) /bɒmˈbastɪk/
Meaning: It is marked by grandiosity, exaggeration, and a lack of sincerity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to bombastic?
Options: grandiloquent; plain; humble; understated
Answer: grandiloquent
Synonyms: flamboyant; florid; grandiloquent; grandiose; highfalutin; inflated; magniloquent; orotund; ostentatious; overblown; pompous; pretentious
Example: "The politician's bombastic speech was filled with grandiose language but lacked substance."
braggadocio (noun) /ˌbræɡəˈdəʊʧɪəʊ/
Meaning: It typically involves making grandiose claims about oneself without regard for the truth or the feelings of others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to braggadocio?
Options: boasting; humility; modesty; understatement
Answer: boasting
Synonyms: arrogance; bluster; boastfulness; bombast; conceit; egoism; gasconade; grandiloquence; grandiosity; ostentation; pompousness; pretension
Example: "The politician's braggadocio made him seem insincere and untrustworthy."
emphasis (noun) /ˈɛmfəsɪs/
Meaning: It is the act of giving prominence to something, making it stand out or be more noticeable.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to emphasis?
Options: stress; de-emphasis; neglect; disregard
Answer: stress
Synonyms: accent; attention; focus; importance; intensity; priority; prominence; significance; stress
Example: "The speaker placed great emphasis on the importance of education."
emphatic (adjective) /ɪmˈfatɪk/
Meaning: When someone or something is described as emphatic, it means that there is a clear and resolute emphasis placed on a particular point, idea, statement, or action.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to emphatic?
Options: forceful; unemphatic; tentative; hesitant
Answer: forceful
Synonyms: categorical; certain; definite; direct; earnest; energetic; unequivocal; vehement; vigorous
Example: "The CEO made an emphatic statement to the press about the company's future."
exaggerate (verb) /ɪgzædʒəreɪt/
Meaning: When someone exaggerates, they tend to embellish or magnify certain aspects or details, typically with the intention of making a point, creating emphasis, or evoking a particular reaction.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to exaggerate?
Options: overstate; minimize; downplay; understate
Answer: overstate
Synonyms: aggrandize; amplify; dramatize; embellish; hyperbolize; inflate; magnify; overemphasize; overestimate; overplay; overstate; stretch
Example: "You always exaggerate the risk involved in these adventures."
exclaim (verb) /ɪkˈskleɪm/
Meaning: When someone exclaims, they express their feelings or thoughts in an emphatic and spontaneous way.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to exclaim?
Options: shout; whisper; mutter; mumble
Answer: shout
Synonyms: assert; bellow; blurt; call; cry; declare; emit; holler; interject; proclaim; utter; vociferate
Example: ""You're fantastic!" I exclaim, my heart filled with pride."
exorbitant (adjective) /ɪɡˈzɔːbɪt(ə)nt/
Meaning: It is often used to describe prices or fees that are significantly higher than what is considered to be normal or fair.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to exorbitant?
Options: excessive; reasonable; modest; economical
Answer: excessive
Synonyms: excessive; extortionate; extravagant; extreme; exuberant; immoderate; inordinate; outrageous; preposterous; prohibitive; steep; unconscionable
Example: "The exorbitant price of the painting shocked everyone at the auction."
expatiate (verb) /ɪkˈspeɪʃɪeɪt/
Meaning: It often implies a thorough and thoughtful discussion or analysis of the topic.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to expatiate?
Options: elaborate; summarize; condense; abbreviate
Answer: elaborate
Synonyms: elaborate; dilate; expand; discuss; discourse; explain; describe; detail; enlarge; expound
Example: "She loves to expatiate on the intricacies of ancient civilizations during her lectures."
extortionate (adjective) /ɪkˈstɔr ʃə nɪt/
Meaning: It implies that the amount being charged or requested is beyond what is fair, just, or reasonable.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to extortionate?
Options: overpriced; reasonable; affordable; cheap
Answer: overpriced
Synonyms: excessive; exorbitant; inflated; oppressive; outrageous; overpriced; prohibitive; steep; unaffordable; unconscionable; usurious
Example: "The hotel's room service prices were extortionate, charging exorbitant amounts for a simple bottle of water."
fanatical (adjective) /fəˈnæt ɪ kəl/
Meaning: It implies an unwavering and often irrational commitment or passion that goes beyond what is considered normal or reasonable.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fanatical?
Options: obsessive; indifferent; uninterested; apathetic
Answer: obsessive
Synonyms: ardent; dedicated; devout; extremist; fervent; fervid; intense; obsessed; passionate; radical; zealous
Example: "The fanatical sports fans painted their faces and chanted loudly in the stadium."
flamboyance (adjective) /flæmˈbɔɪ ənt/
Meaning: It denotes a noticeable display of flair, exuberance, or theatricality.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to flamboyance?
Options: showiness; modesty; plainness; simplicity
Answer: showiness
Synonyms: extravagance; exuberance; flair; flashiness; grandiosity; ostentation; panache; pizzazz; showiness; theatricality; vivacity; zest
Example: "Her flamboyance was evident in her vibrant and colorful outfits."
flaunt (verb) /flɔːnt/
Meaning: It is often used to refer to the act of displaying wealth, beauty, status, or power in order to attract attention or admiration.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to flaunt?
Options: parade; hide; conceal; cover
Answer: parade
Synonyms: boast; brandish; broadcast; exhibit; expose; flash; flourish; grandstand; parade; showboat
Example: "She couldn't help but flaunt her new designer handbag at the party."
flounce (verb) /flaʊns/
Meaning: The verb "flounce" refers to a dramatic or exaggerated movement or action characterized by energetic, often jerky, motions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to flounce?
Options: strut; plod; trudge; slog
Answer: strut
Synonyms: bounce; flit; march; parade; prance; sashay; skip; stomp; storm; strut; swagger; toss
Example: "She'd flounce around the stage, basking in the audience's unwavering attention."
fustian (noun) /ˈfʌs tʃən/
Meaning: It is characterized by an elaborate and high-flown language, which often lacks any real substance or meaning.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fustian?
Options: bombast; simplicity; plainness; clarity
Answer: bombast
Synonyms: bombast; extravagance; floridity; grandiloquence; magniloquence; overstatement; pomposity; pretentiousness; prolixity; rhetoric; turgidity; verbosity
Example: "His speech was filled with fustian, using grandiose words to obscure the lack of concrete ideas."
grandeur (noun) /ˈgræn dʒər/
Meaning: It encompasses a sense of greatness, splendor, and beauty that evokes awe and admiration.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to grandeur?
Options: majesty; plainness; simplicity; modesty
Answer: majesty
Synonyms: grandiosity; greatness; impressiveness; loftiness; magnificence; majesty; opulence; pomp; regality; splendor; stateliness; sublimity
Example: "The majestic castle stood atop the hill, exuding an air of grandeur."
grandiloquent (adjective) /grænˈdɪl ə kwənt/
Meaning: It can also be used to describe a style of writing or speech that is bombastic and full of exaggerated language or over-the-top expressions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to grandiloquent?
Options: bombastic; understated; plain; simple
Answer: bombastic
Synonyms: bombastic; extravagant; florid; flowery; grandiose; inflated; magniloquent; ornate; ostentatious; overblown; pompous; pretentious
Example: "The politician's grandiloquent speech failed to impress the audience."
grandiose (adjective) /ˈɡrandɪəʊs/
Meaning: The word "grandiose" comes from the Latin "grandis," which means "large" or "grand," and it is often used to describe things that are large, grand, or elaborate in nature.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to grandiose?
Options: pretentious; modest; unassuming; simple
Answer: pretentious
Synonyms: flashy; grand; lavish; luxurious; magnificent; majestic; opulent; plush; stately; swanky
Example: "The hotel's grandiose lobby featured towering marble columns and elaborate chandeliers."
grandstanding (noun) /ˈɡran(d)standɪŋ/
Meaning: It is often used to describe behavior that is intended to impress or to gain an advantage, rather than to achieve a genuine or substantive goal.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to grandstanding?
Options: showboating; reticence; modesty; humility
Answer: showboating
Synonyms: bravado; display; egocentric; egoistic; egotistical; exhibitionism; flourish; narcissistic; ostentation; performance; posturing; selfishness
Example: "The politician's speech was nothing more than grandstanding for his own personal gain."
herald (verb) /ˈhɛrəld/
Meaning: When someone or something heralds an event or development, they serve as a messenger or a harbinger, drawing attention to what is about to happen.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to herald?
Options: announce; conceal; hide; suppress
Answer: announce
Synonyms: advertise; broadcast; harbinger; indicate; portend; presage; publicize; signal; trumpet
Example: "The thunder in the distance seemed to herald an incoming storm."
hyperbole (noun) /hʌɪˈpəːbəli/
Meaning: It is an exaggeration beyond what is actually true or possible, in order to create emphasis or added effect.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to hyperbole?
Options: exaggeration; understatement; literalism; accuracy
Answer: exaggeration
Synonyms: aggrandizement; amplification; embellishment; enlargement; exaggeration; extravagance; hype; inflation; magnification; overemphasis; overexaggeration; overstatement
Example: "The politician's speech was filled with exaggerated hyperbole, making it difficult to discern the truth."
immodest (adjective) /ɪˈmɒdɪst/
Meaning: When used to describe a person, it suggests that they are excessively proud or boastful, and may have an inflated sense of their own abilities or accomplishments.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to immodest?
Options: boastful; modest; humble; demure
Answer: boastful
Synonyms: arrogant; boastful; brazen; conceited; egotistical; flamboyant; flashy; indecent; ostentatious
Example: "Her immodest behavior at the party embarrassed her friends."
machismo (noun) /məˈtʃɪzməʊ/
Meaning: It can manifest as an emphasis on toughness, assertiveness, and control in men, sometimes at the expense of sensitivity, vulnerability, or empathy.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to machismo?
Options: bravado; gentleness; meekness; humility
Answer: bravado
Synonyms: aggression; aggressiveness; bravado; chauvinism; dominance; maleness; manhood; manliness; masculinity; patriarchy; potency; swagger
Example: "Senior cabinet ministers were sent to flex their political machismo."
magniloquent (adjective) /maɡˈnɪləkwənt/
Meaning: The word comes from the Latin words "magnus" which means "great" and "loqui" which means "to speak.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to magniloquent?
Options: grandiloquent; unpretentious; simple; plain
Answer: grandiloquent
Synonyms: bombastic; elevated; extravagant; flamboyant; florid; flowery; grandiloquent; lofty; orotund; ostentatious; overblown; pompous
Example: "Her magniloquent speech earned a mix of awe and amusement from the crowd."
overbearing (adjective) /ˌəʊvəˈbeərɪŋ/
Meaning: When used to describe a person, it suggests that they have an over-inflated sense of authority or importance, and may use their power to bully or manipulate others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to overbearing?
Options: domineering; submissive; yielding; accommodating
Answer: domineering
Synonyms: authoritarian; autocratic; bossy; bulldozing; controlling; dictatorial; domineering; imperious; oppressive; pushy; tyrannical; unyielding
Example: "Her overbearing attitude made it difficult to have a meaningful conversation."
overblown (adjective) /ˈoʊ vərˈbloʊn/
Meaning: It describes a state or condition in which something has been magnified or enlarged to an unreasonable or disproportionate degree.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to overblown?
Options: exaggerated; understated; minimized; downplayed
Answer: exaggerated
Synonyms: bombastic; embellished; exaggerated; excessive; flamboyant; grandiose; hyperbolic; inflated; melodramatic; ostentatious; pretentious; sensationalized
Example: "The critics dismissed the movie as an overblown spectacle lacking in substance."
overstate (verb) /ˌəʊvəˈsteɪt/
Meaning: It involves using hyperbolic language or making claims that are inflated or untrue in order to make something seem more important or impressive than it actually is.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to overstate?
Options: exaggerate; understate; minimize; downplay
Answer: exaggerate
Synonyms: aggrandize; amplify; dramatize; embellish; exaggerate; hyperbolize; inflate; magnify; overemphasize; overestimate; overplay; pad
Example: "People often overstate their abilities to make themselves appear more competent."
overt (adjective) /ə(ʊ)ˈvəːt/
Meaning: It signifies transparency and clarity in actions, behaviors, or expressions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to overt?
Options: obvious; hidden; concealed; secretive
Answer: obvious
Synonyms: apparent; blatant; clear; definite; noticeable; obvious; patent; plain; public; visible
Example: "The politician's overt remarks caused controversy."
resounding (adjective) /rɪˈzaʊndɪŋ/
Meaning: It implies that something is clearly evident, leaving no doubt about its meaning or significance.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to resounding?
Options: emphatic; faint; weak; muted
Answer: emphatic
Synonyms: booming; decisive; emphatic; notable; outstanding; ringing; roaring; striking; tremendous
Example: "The audience gave the performance a resounding applause."
screed (noun) /skriːd/
Meaning: It can be written or spoken and usually expresses strong emotions such as anger or frustration.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to screed?
Options: diatribe; praise; compliment; endorsement
Answer: diatribe
Synonyms: castigation; denunciation; diatribe; doctrine; dogma; fulmination; harangue; invective; jeremiad; lecture; passage; philippic
Example: "The architect presented a lengthy screed outlining the design principles for the new building."
showboat (verb) /ˈʃoʊˌboʊt/
Meaning: When someone "showboats," they often engage in extravagant or exaggerated actions, drawing attention to themselves and their abilities.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to showboat?
Options: flaunt; conceal; hide; understate
Answer: flaunt
Synonyms: boast; exhibit; flaunt; flourish; grandstand; impress; parade; perform; strut; swagger; vaunt
Example: "If you always showboat during meetings, your colleagues may start to resent you."
spew (verb) /spjuː/
Meaning: The verb "spew" is used to describe emitting or speaking something with force, often in a negative or hostile way, such as spewing hate speech or anger.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to spew?
Options: eject; absorb; contain; hold
Answer: eject
Synonyms: discharge; eject; erupt; expel; exude; gush; hurl; pour; rush; shed; spit; spout
Example: "During the debate, he began to spew insults, tarnishing his own credibility with the audience."
spout (verb) /spaʊt/
Meaning: Someone who is spouting is seen as speaking or expressing their ideas in a very intense and passionate way.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to spout?
Options: declaim; listen; receive; observe
Answer: declaim
Synonyms: discharge; eject; erupt; expel; gush; jet; pour; rush; shoot; spew; spray; spurt
Example: "During the heated debate, he began to spout his controversial views."
stentorian (adjective) /stɛnˈtɔːriən/
Meaning: Derived from the Greek mythological figure Stentor, known for his extremely powerful voice, this term is often used to depict a person or thing that possesses an impressive and penetrating vocal quality.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to stentorian?
Options: booming; soft-spoken; quiet; hushed
Answer: booming
Synonyms: authoritative; blaring; booming; commanding; deafening; impressive; powerful; resonant; resounding; sonorous; thundering; thunderous
Example: "The stentorian roar of the crowd filled the stadium, drowning out all other sounds."
superlative (adjective) /suːˈpɜːlətɪv/
Meaning: When used to describe a person, it suggests that they are exceptional in their abilities, skills, or achievements.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to superlative?
Options: excellent; inferior; poor; mediocre
Answer: excellent
Synonyms: excellent; exceptional; extraordinary; incomparable; outstanding; paramount; peerless; preeminent; premier; supreme; transcendent; unparalleled
Example: "The athlete's performance was truly superlative, breaking multiple records."


