1
2
as in arrogance
an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims
a woman full of pretension and pompousness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in affectation
the quality or state of appearing or trying to appear more important or more valuable than is the case
the pretension of that French restaurant is more than I can bear
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
has serious pretensions of becoming a writer
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pretension
And often next to Ed, holding a single malt, there would be an unsmiling writer of great pretension looking down at you from a great height.
—
Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 4 June 2025
Many of the early bands’ sound had a preciseness to it and a simultaneous lack of pretension.
—Nate Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
With notes and descriptions similar to the pretension of fine wine, luxury brands take fragrance very seriously.
—Tanya Akim, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Nothing will knock the pretension out of you faster than having to go cover the sewage board hearing and having to type the school lunch menus.
—Samantha Dunn, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Gary Shteyngart, The Atlantic, 4 June 2025
Many of the early bands’ sound had a preciseness to it and a simultaneous lack of pretension.
—Nate Jackson, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025
With notes and descriptions similar to the pretension of fine wine, luxury brands take fragrance very seriously.
—Tanya Akim, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Nothing will knock the pretension out of you faster than having to go cover the sewage board hearing and having to type the school lunch menus.
—Samantha Dunn, Oc Register, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretension
Noun
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Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the rights office was not able to attribute responsibility for the killings.—
WAFAA SHURAFA,
arkansasonline.com,
5 July 2025
-
But advocates for migrants, LGBTQ+ rights activists and others were left shaking their heads and vowing to find other ways to keep fighting on issues that went against them.—
Maureen Groppe,
USA Today,
5 July 2025
Noun
-
This silliness, the silliness of his arrogance, was actually funny to me.—
Ottessa Moshfegh,
New Yorker,
30 June 2025
-
On the dark side, however, Mercury in Leo can spark moments of arrogance and stubbornness.—
Valerie Mesa,
People.com,
26 June 2025
Noun
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From our review: Tessa Van den Broeck, a newcomer, plays Julie with zero affectation.—
The New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
-
No fussy affectations, just a deliberate tamping down of his more charismatic qualities.—
A.A. Dowd,
Rolling Stone,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
-
Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.—
Steve Hruby,
The Enquirer,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
Being the world's most valuable company is not a sign of permanent superiority.—
Nur Hikmah Md Ali,
CNBC,
10 July 2025
-
What To Know According to a French intelligence report shared with the Associated Press, Chinese diplomats worked to publicize the downing of Rafale jets during the conflict while promoting the superiority of Chinese fighter aircraft.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 July 2025
Noun
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But his heart remained on the South Side, where fans appreciated him for his workmanlike approach, his quick pace and a lack of pretense.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
11 July 2025
-
The federal indictment alleged that Combs and his associates lured female victims, often under the pretense of a romantic relationship.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
Our goal is to protect Palestinian human rights from Hamas terrorism.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
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Maintaining trust with students has long been a goal of Casas.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
12 July 2025
Noun
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Like fellow venture capitalist David Sacks — a tech adviser to Trump — and Tesla, X and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Maguire has used social media to broadcast right-wing ideas and attack ideological foes.—
Ethan Baron,
Mercury News,
10 July 2025
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Unemployment had altered her idea of what qualified as a life.—
Nora Lange,
New Yorker,
10 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretension. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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