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.
FatFIRE, however, makes conspicuous consumption part of the deal. — Joshua Rivera, Vanity Fair, 8 June 2026 People in normal circumstances buy with discernment that penalizes conspicuous consumption. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 5 May 2026 Even before adolescence, the youth themselves are performing refinement—an early initiation into the aesthetics of conspicuous consumption. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2025 As a means of conspicuous consumption the canon is poorly served, but as a destination to explore, as a complicated, contradictory, sometimes boring and often beautiful place, there can be much to be gained through a meander, a perusal, a stroll. — Literary Hub, 21 May 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
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Conspicuous consumption.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conspicuous%20consumption. Accessed 7 Jul. 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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