1
as in rhetoric
boastful speech or writing
all the bluster in the campaign speech was intended to hide a lack of specifics
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2
as in roar
loud, confused, and usually inharmonious sound
I can't work with all the bluster in here
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in commotion
a state of noisy, confused activity
a mayor who got things done without a lot of bluster and self-serving publicity
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as in to huff
to talk loudly and wildly
the rude customer blustered and yelled threats about lawsuits, but eventually left
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of bluster
Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025
But then there are those moments when Josephine’s bluster falters, revealing the raw and heartbreaking vulnerability still pulsing underneath.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024
Matthew Chance, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025
Traveling to France, Nick quickly manages to be the most blatant fish-out-of-water cop since Gene Hackman’s Popeye Doyle blustered his way through Marseille in French Connection II.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for bluster
Noun
And yet late Sunday, after hours of online bluster, Petro backed down, the prospect of a trade war with the U.S. proving too frightening to contemplate.
—Antonio Maria Delgado, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2025
But then there are those moments when Josephine’s bluster falters, revealing the raw and heartbreaking vulnerability still pulsing underneath.
—Daniel Fienberg, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Dec. 2024
Verb
Both Vladimir Putin, the Kremlin strongman, and the beleaguered Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, have cautiously welcomed Trump’s blustering intervention.
—Matthew Chance, CNN, 16 Jan. 2025
Traveling to France, Nick quickly manages to be the most blatant fish-out-of-water cop since Gene Hackman’s Popeye Doyle blustered his way through Marseille in French Connection II.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for bluster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bluster
Noun
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Despite the current rhetoric, there seems to be rare agreement on addressing what many believe is a high-stakes issue.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Apr. 2025
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However, given the increase in nuclear rhetoric coming from Moscow since Russian President Vladimir Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022—coupled with the launch of Russian and Chinese satellites—NATO's concerns about security challenges in space are increasing.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
12 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The tornado’s roar lasted only five seconds, but that was enough to demolish Bott’s service station, a family business and a Moundville, Missouri, landmark, leaving Bott in shock and with a feeling of uncertainty.—
Tammy Ljungblad,
Kansas City Star,
3 Apr. 2025
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Mid-set, Durst made a surprise entrance to sing alongside her, to the roar of the crowd.—
Jessica Lynch,
Billboard,
2 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The reveal of the dire wolves and accompanying news on red wolf advances lead to plenty of commotion and news coverage.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
8 Apr. 2025
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In the backdrop, a commotion of voices from distraught aid workers and soldiers shouting commands in Hebrew can be heard.—
Farnaz Fassihi,
New York Times,
5 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Or flesh—notice the tiny worker huffing up the steps in the top right.—
Jackson Arn,
The New Yorker,
10 Mar. 2025
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Adding in a motor has made cargo bikes much more workable for those riders who would like the convenience and capacity of a cargo bike but have hesitated in the past due to their own physical condition and the prospect of huffing a cargo bike up hills or across town.—
William Roberson,
Forbes,
25 Feb. 2025
Noun
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As a show, Agent Carter was full of fun and bombast, showing some of what its eponymous lead got up to after losing her love, Steve Rogers.—
Nola Pfau,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2025
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In previous years, Bun B’s takeovers—H-Town, Southern, and All-American, respectively—leaned heavily into the bombast of hip-hop, an all-star showcase of Southern rap royalty.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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For that reason, in trying to determine which stocks may be worth nibbling on, taking a more holistic and qualitative view can help cut through the noise.—
Kevin Stankiewicz,
CNBC,
9 Apr. 2025
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Dominant Marist, which makes national noise, remains in top spot, while Stagg enters rankings.—
Jeff Vorva,
Chicago Tribune,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The news, which surfaced late last week when letters to these vendors from Chief Procurement Officer Sharla Roberts were shared with the media, caused an immediate stir and prompted some aldermen to publicly advise contractors not to comply with the request.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2025
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Fans of this show based on a treatment by the legendary Bruce Lee caused enough of a stir that it was eventually renewed for Max exclusively, airing a third season on the streaming service.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Taylor-Johnson and Gosling have a lot of fun with Tom’s braggadocio and Colt’s deadpan replies when the star actor and his stunt double finally face off.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
7 May 2024
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The most successful of his sprawling New York rap crew, Mayers vaulted to fame in 2011 with a style defined by suave braggadocio and self-mythologizing reminiscent of old-school legends such as Rakim and the Wu-Tang Clan.—
James Queally,
Los Angeles Times,
22 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bluster. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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