bluster 1 of 2

noun

Definition of blusternext
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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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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bluster

2 of 2

verb

ˈblə-stər How to pronounce bluster (audio)
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

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.
Recent Examples of bluster
Noun
And to be sure, much talk of a pause by American companies might just be bluster—easy statements for leaders to make in the knowledge that a pause is a political non-starter. — Billy Perrigo, Time, 23 June 2026 And for all of the bluster about keeping Nikola Jokic fresh, Valanciunas was nonexistent. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 5 June 2026
Verb
Although it is widely understood that Russia's space program is in decline, the most common tactic among Russian officials is to bluster about past greatness and talk about all the new programs that are under development. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 2025 Eddie, a blustering man who’s often the loudest to laugh at the fat jokes hurled his way, is on the cusp of landing a new contract for his own variety show at CBS, a much larger network than his and Maggie’s current employer. — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bluster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bluster
  1. rhetoric
  2. roar
  3. commotion
  4. huff
  5. bombast
  6. noise
  7. disturbance
  8. braggadocio
Noun
  • For too long Western leaders have been deterred by Putin’s escalation rhetoric.
    — David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Concha argued that her positions and rhetoric reflect a broader shift in the Democratic Party toward socialism and extremism.
    — Kiara Moore, The Washington Examiner, 30 June 2026
Definition of rhetoric
Noun
  • Military flyovers added to the atmosphere, with the roar of aircraft overhead loud enough to make seats visibly vibrate.
    — Kyla Guilfoil, NBC news, 5 July 2026
  • But with altitude and the roar of support from their fans, 2026 may become a new marker in their story.
    — Alex Connor, USA Today, 5 July 2026
Definition of roar
Noun
  • With some flashing lights, this thing flying around in the sky would cause quite a commotion.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 2 July 2026
  • Any browns feeding there are less likely to have been spooked by the commotion.
    — Tom Opre, Outdoor Life, 2 July 2026
Definition of commotion
Verb
  • This version is battery-powered, meaning no more huffing and puffing!
    — Anja Webb, Parents, 24 June 2026
  • Meanwhile in Boston, England huffed and puffed but could not blow Ghana away.
    — James Horncastle, New York Times, 24 June 2026
Definition of huff
Noun
  • For all the bombast surrounding the official proceedings, beginning with the UFC fight at the White House, elsewhere the mood has seemed subdued.
    — Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026
  • Victor Lindelof’s pre-match comments smacked of bombast and confidence, the sort of words which are said but not meant, platitudes used to motivate rather than to be sworn under oath.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 15 June 2026
Definition of bombast
Noun
  • The three most common triggers included fear of strange people, fear of unfamiliar dogs and fear of unfamiliar situations like unexpected noises or objects on the sidewalk.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 July 2026
  • For instance, in Berkeley, neighbors used CEQA — citing potential noise impact from partying students — to delay, for years, UC Berkeley’s construction of student dorms on People’s Park.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
Definition of noise
Noun
  • Even tiny electromagnetic disturbances can disrupt the quantum states that perform calculations, reducing the accuracy and reliability of the system.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
  • However, about 15 minutes into the flight, a pilot reported a passenger disturbance to air traffic control.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of disturbance
Noun
  • In person, Huang subdues his ironic braggadocio with polite eye contact and rolling belly laughs at his own jokes.
    — Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • This is another stride of lyricism, philosophy, I’m-the-best braggadocio, bravado.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Definition of braggadocio

Browse Nearby Words

blushing
bluster
blustered
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Cite this Entry

“Bluster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bluster. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of bluster for Spanish Speakers

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