ostentatious crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're tackling the clue "ostentatious" in your latest puzzle, you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of potential answers, categorized by their letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your crossword.
Solutions for "ostentatious crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
SHOWY: Tending to attract attention, often excessively, fitting the description of ostentatious behavior or appearance.
GAUDY: Extravagantly bright or showy, typically tasteless. This word often implies a vulgar form of ostentation, especially in decoration or dress.
6 Letters
FLASHY: Attracting attention by being bright, expensive, or ostentatious. This is a common synonym that perfectly captures the essence of the clue.
ORNATE: Elaborately or excessively decorated. While often referring to objects, it implies a type of ostentatious display of intricate design.
7 Letters
POMPOUS: Affectedly and irritatingly grand, solemn, or self-important. This answer describes an ostentatious display of self-importance or dignity.
10 Letters
FLAMBOYANT: (Of a person or their behavior) tending to attract attention because of their exuberance, confidence, and stylishness. It often implies a deliberate and showy display of character.
11 Letters
EXTRAVAGANT: Lacking restraint in spending money or using resources; costing a great deal more than is reasonable. This term directly relates to an ostentatious display of wealth.
More About "ostentatious crossword clue"
The word "ostentatious" refers to something designed to impress or attract notice, often in an excessive or vulgar way. It's a rich adjective that describes actions, objects, or people who make a show of their wealth, knowledge, or possessions with the aim of drawing admiration or envy. Think of a car with overly flashy chrome or a person who constantly name-drops their famous acquaintances – these are examples of ostentatious displays.
In crosswords, "ostentatious" is a popular clue because it has many synonyms that vary in nuance and length, making it versatile for different puzzle grids. Clues often focus on the visual aspect (e.g., "showy," "gaudy," "flashy," "ornate"), the behavioral aspect (e.g., "pompous," "flamboyant"), or the financial aspect (e.g., "extravagant"). Recognizing these different facets is key to pinpointing the correct answer, especially when a specific letter count is required.
Understanding the core meaning of 'ostentatious' – a desire to impress through outward display – helps in identifying related concepts and words. Whether it's about excessive decor, boastful behavior, or lavish spending, the underlying theme is always a noticeable, often over-the-top, presentation of something to gain attention or admiration.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: Words like "ostentatious" can have slightly negative connotations. Consider if the required answer should also carry that hint of disapproval (e.g., "gaudy" vs. "flamboyant" which can sometimes be neutral or positive).
- Check Surrounding Letters: Even if you're unsure, knowing a few letters around the blank space can quickly narrow down the possibilities, especially for longer answers like "FLAMBOYANT" or "EXTRAVAGANT."
- Consider Word Length Variations: Be prepared for multiple answers for a single clue. Crossword setters often use synonyms of different lengths to fit various grids. Always check answers for common synonyms of the clue word across different letter counts.
- Think Beyond Direct Synonyms: Sometimes the answer isn't a direct synonym but describes a characteristic or an effect of being ostentatious. For example, "pompous" describes a person acting ostentatiously.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ostentatious' mean?
The word 'ostentatious' describes something that is designed to impress or attract notice, often in an excessive or vulgar way. It implies a showy display, typically of wealth, knowledge, or possessions, aimed at drawing admiration or envy.
How do crosswords clue adjectives like 'ostentatious'?
Crosswords often clue adjectives like 'ostentatious' using direct synonyms (e.g., 'showy,' 'flashy,' 'gaudy'), phrases describing the quality (e.g., 'designed to impress,' 'overly showy'), or sometimes antonyms with negating words (e.g., 'not humble'). Context is key to determining the exact synonym needed.
What's the origin of the word 'ostentatious'?
The word 'ostentatious' comes from the Latin word 'ostentare,' meaning 'to show, display,' which itself is derived from 'ostendere,' meaning 'to stretch out, expose.' It entered the English language in the late 17th century, maintaining its core meaning of showing off.