Creative Writing Practice Exam 2025 – The All-in-One Resource to Master Your Writing Skills!

The word that describes a style of speaking that is pompous and overblown, often lacking in substance, is "bombastic." This term is used to characterize language or speech that is high-sounding but has little meaning; it tends to be excessively elaborate or inflated, emphasizing style over effectiveness or clarity. In literature and rhetoric, bombastic language is often criticized for obscuring the real message through unnecessary complexity or grandiosity.

The other choices do not fit this definition. For example, "stringent" refers to strict or severe conditions, and "ex officio" signifies a position or authority derived from one's rank or office, rather than indicating anything about a style of speaking. "Epitome," on the other hand, describes a perfect example or embodiment of something, which does not relate to the characteristics of pompous speech. Thus, "bombastic" accurately captures the essence of overly elaborate communication that lacks genuine substance.