variants
also hifalutin
1
as in rhetoric
full of fine words and fancy expressions
his highfalutin paean to the working class failed to win over a crowd that wanted to hear down-to-earth proposals for economic relief
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude
her highfalutin relatives from New York made the snide remark that her little house "has that lived-in look"
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in superior
having or displaying feelings of scorn for what is regarded as beneath oneself
refused to be intimidated by the highfalutin manner of the sales staff in the fashionable boutique
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in smug
self-consciously trying to present an appearance of grandeur or importance
"fine Southern cuisine" sounds a bit highfalutin for a barbecue shack
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of highfalutin
But the audit is a reminder that state agencies rarely live up to their highfalutin promises.
—
The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 27 July 2025
Gaddis is not afraid of braiding in highfalutin references, and his humor is both very patrician and cultured as well as loose and street.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 July 2025
Then there’s Grady (Topher Grace), the highfalutin sociopath who was supplying the drugs the Buckleys were hauling.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 20 June 2025
The dialogue is overly ornate, with long monologues filled with highfalutin references, and there’s no distinct characterization: A Bronx pawnbroker talks the same as a Manhattan equities trader.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for highfalutin
The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 27 July 2025
Gaddis is not afraid of braiding in highfalutin references, and his humor is both very patrician and cultured as well as loose and street.
—The New Yorker, New Yorker, 16 July 2025
Then there’s Grady (Topher Grace), the highfalutin sociopath who was supplying the drugs the Buckleys were hauling.
—Hunter Ingram, Variety, 20 June 2025
The dialogue is overly ornate, with long monologues filled with highfalutin references, and there’s no distinct characterization: A Bronx pawnbroker talks the same as a Manhattan equities trader.
—Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for highfalutin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for highfalutin
Adjective
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Jack Cutmore-Scott as Julius Beaufort, an arrogant new money banker at the center of New York society with an interest in Ellen.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Jean stepped out as Nia approached—lean and arrogant, a cigarette pinched between her lips.—
David Wright Faladé,
New Yorker,
28 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The shoes help to lower the risk of future foot issues via their superior grip and traction, courtesy of a multi-directional rubber outsole.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Oct. 2025
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The first is Ziron Cladding, which was developed to offer superior corrosion resistance compared to the Zircaloy 2 cladding used in over 175,000 GNF fuel assemblies worldwide.—
Aman Tripathi,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
However, Ralph has a smug attitude when talking to Brad.—
Lisa Stardust,
PEOPLE,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Colum’s smug assurance that the wedding will happen soon is rocked when Ned shows up with news of the Grants’ suspicions about the raid.—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Every argument has a rational, emotional, and rhetorical component.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
5 Oct. 2025
-
Trump’s broadside against the UN is the latest salvo in a broader rhetorical battle about the value of multilateral organizations like it compared with the bilateral partnerships and deals favored by the current US administration.—
Morgan Chalfant,
semafor.com,
26 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
5 Oct. 2025
-
None is more important than quarterback Lamar Jackson.—
Jacob Camenker,
USA Today,
5 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
IndieWire is proud to announce that Art House New York is launching, thanks to founder Lesli Klainberg, former president of Film at Lincoln Center.—
Christian Blauvelt,
IndieWire,
8 Oct. 2025
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Pinochet was proud of his personal library, with books on guerrilla insurgencies, the writings of Antonio Gramsci and other Marxist theorists, and accounts of communist crimes.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Whereas the first movie made clear that Spinal Tap was a ridiculous band whose pretentious members didn’t have much musical talent, we’re now supposed to believe its admirers include Sirs Paul McCartney and Elton John.—
Christopher J. Scalia,
The Washington Examiner,
26 Sep. 2025
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And though all of Anderson’s artistry and jittery comedic sensibility is present, the director hasn’t created a pretentious version of an action flick; One Battle After Another is the real thing, filled with beautifully shot car chases and shoot-outs.—
David Sims,
The Atlantic,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The opt-out process escalates the company’s cavalier approach to intellectual property rights, potentially setting up a legal battle between Hollywood’s biggest studios and the AI start-up.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Oct. 2025
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However, some developers have gotten cavalier with what constitutes a remake — with Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us series being a prime example.—
George Yang,
Rolling Stone,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Highfalutin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/highfalutin. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.
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