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Trumpery

Trumpery is an unusual English word worth knowing if you enjoy odd vocabulary, strong meanings, and memorable phrasing. This guide covers the meaning of trumpery, its pronunciation, origin, modern usage, and example sentences in clear, search-friendly language.

At a glance

Word
Trumpery
Pronunciation
TRUM-puh-ree
Part of speech
Noun
Meaning
Showy but worthless things; nonsense, deception, or gaudy rubbish.
Tone
scornful, literary, ornate
Category
Tiny Things and Trifles
Origin
From older forms related to trickery, trumpeting display, and worthless finery.
Usage level
uncommon
small-thingstriflesodd-objects

How to say it

Pronounced
TRUM-puh-ree
Syllables
3
IPA
/ˈtrʌmpəri/
Starting letter
T

Meaning in plain English

Trumpery means showy but worthless things; nonsense, deception, or gaudy rubbish.

Why this word feels absurd

Trumpery feels absurd because it sounds richly ceremonial while meaning sham, trash, and empty show.

Origin and history

From older forms related to trickery, trumpeting display, and worthless finery.

Is this word still used today?

Today trumpery is rare but powerful in literary criticism, political writing, and disdainful commentary.

Example sentences

  • The critic dismissed the spectacle as pure trumpery.
  • Behind the gold trim and slogans there was only trumpery.
  • The museum separated historical artifacts from decorative trumpery.
  • Trumpery is ideal when fakery comes wrapped in showiness.

When should you use this word?

Use trumpery when you want a strong, stylish word for flashy worthlessness or hollow display.

Similar words

rubbish, gaudiness, trash, nonsense

Opposite or contrasting words

substance, value, authenticity

Common questions

  • What does trumpery mean? Meaning Trumpery means showy but worthless things; nonsense, deception, or gaudy rubbish.
  • Is trumpery still used today? Usage today Today trumpery is rare but powerful in literary criticism, political writing, and disdainful commentary.
  • Why does trumpery sound so strange? Absurdity Trumpery feels absurd because it sounds richly ceremonial while meaning sham, trash, and empty show.