conspicuous consumption

noun

Synonyms of conspicuous consumptionnext
: lavish or wasteful spending thought to enhance social prestige

Examples of conspicuous consumption in a Sentence

a culture of conspicuous consumption
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
They were designed to combat the carbon emissions of gas-guzzling automobiles, and conspicuous consumption is at odds with saving the planet. — Matthew Lynn, Washington Post, 19 Oct. 2026 By putting the spa before the staterooms, this design flips the superyacht script from conspicuous consumption to conscious longevity. — Chrissie McClatchie, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2026 The book had its share of wild parties, conspicuous consumption and drunken abandon. — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 Sep. 2026 In addition to reckoning with conspicuous consumption, my novel also investigates what life looks like for the Anderson women when the perennially absent Alan becomes an always-there man. — Courtney Maum, PEOPLE, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for conspicuous consumption

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conspicuous consumption was in 1899

Rhymes for conspicuous consumption

See All Rhymes for conspicuous consumption

Browse Nearby Words

conspicuous
conspicuous consumption
conspiracist
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Cite this Entry

“Conspicuous consumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conspicuous%20consumption. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on conspicuous consumption

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for conspicuous consumption

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conspicuous consumption

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