Pontifying is a term used to describe an individual who is pompous and patronizing, often preaching with self-importance. There are many synonyms for pontifying, including lecturing, sermonizing, moralizing, dogmatizing, and sermonizing. These words all describe the act of delivering a speech or message that is intended to instruct or guide others, but with an air of superiority or condescension. Other synonyms for pontificating include holding forth, expounding, bloviating, and haranguing. Regardless of the specific word used, the act of pontificating is often seen as annoying or irritating, as it is viewed as an attempt to impose one's beliefs on others rather than engage in genuine dialogue.