1
as in rights
an entitlement to something
a pretension of long standing to the throne of Hungary
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in goals
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 pretensions
The nation was to be purged of continual sin not indeed all of its own doing—due partly to its inheritance; and yet a sin, a negation that gave the world the right to sneer at the pretensions of this republic.
—
James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
This action comedy is audacious in portraying the pretensions of show business.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 2026
The pilot isn’t quite sure what makes Arthur funny, alternating between jokes about his artistic pretensions and his extreme whiteness.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 18 Jan. 2026
His pretensions—riding around in a grand coach and continuing the weekly levees—as well as his administration’s notorious effort to enforce deference in the 1798 Sedition Act, fell flat.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
Few things jar the delicate pretensions of the cocktail sophisticate so much as a drink with a chicken on top.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 28 Oct. 2025
But she is best remembered for Keeping Up Appearances and her role as Hyacinth Bucket, a working-class woman with pretensions of social superiority.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 3 Oct. 2025
Such pretensions on the part of the mega-rich aren’t new; Lowell reminds us of that.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
James Folta, Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
This action comedy is audacious in portraying the pretensions of show business.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Jan. 2026
The pilot isn’t quite sure what makes Arthur funny, alternating between jokes about his artistic pretensions and his extreme whiteness.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 18 Jan. 2026
His pretensions—riding around in a grand coach and continuing the weekly levees—as well as his administration’s notorious effort to enforce deference in the 1798 Sedition Act, fell flat.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
Few things jar the delicate pretensions of the cocktail sophisticate so much as a drink with a chicken on top.
—The New York Times News Service Syndicate, Denver Post, 28 Oct. 2025
But she is best remembered for Keeping Up Appearances and her role as Hyacinth Bucket, a working-class woman with pretensions of social superiority.
—Ryan Schwartz, TVLine, 3 Oct. 2025
Such pretensions on the part of the mega-rich aren’t new; Lowell reminds us of that.
—Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 29 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretensions
Noun
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Cross later filed a federal lawsuit against Nanos, claiming the sheriff violated his First Amendment rights.—
Peter D'Abrosca , Alexandra Koch,
FOXNews.com,
8 Feb. 2026
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More than 400 people signed a letter urging the country’s film and television industry to take action on trans rights, including Paapa Essiedu, who has been cast in the Harry Potter series as Professor Snape.—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Paired with stronger workforce-training and credential programs, such a system could help steer students into the pathways best suited to their abilities and goals.—
Neetu Arnold,
Washington Post,
10 Feb. 2026
-
The Canadians scored twice in a minute soon after, with goals by Laura Stacey and Sarah Fillier prompting the Czechs to pull starting goalie Julie Pejsova for Michaela Hesova.—
John Wawrow,
Twin Cities,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
For more details on the claims process or to download a claim form, visit the Hoosier Lottery Winners page or contact the customer service team at 1-800-955-6886.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
9 Feb. 2026
-
Even seemingly outlandish and incomprehensible claims called in to tip lines were examined.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only.—
Wyles Daniel,
USA Today,
8 Feb. 2026
-
Neiry says the birds are intended for peaceful purposes, to help with search and rescue operations and to monitor infrastructure.—
Harriet Marsden,
TheWeek,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Johnson eventually pleaded no contest to three counts of false pretenses between $1,000 and $20,000.—
Paula Wethington,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2026
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She is also charged with one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult of between $1,000 and $20,000 and one count of false pretenses of between $1,000 and $20,000.—
Paul Egan,
Freep.com,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The release comes as Anthropic broadens its enterprise ambitions beyond software development.—
Beatrice Nolan,
Fortune,
6 Feb. 2026
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Even so, there are greater ambitions for British manufacturing.—
Jasmin Malik Chua,
Sourcing Journal,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Savannah Guthrie, who temporarily stepped away from her NBC duties, including plans to co-host the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, issued a plea through social media asking for prayers and public support as the search continues.—
Claire Carter,
The Washington Examiner,
5 Feb. 2026
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Washington County warehouse The federal government paid more than $100 million to buy a warehouse in Williamsport, Washington County, near Hagerstown, with plans to convert it into an ICE detention center with space for 1,500 beds.—
Mike Hellgren,
CBS News,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But its function is political, linking that criminal activity to the aims and methods of political terror.—
Evandro Cruz Silva,
The Dial,
10 Feb. 2026
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Whatever wavelength Oliver is operating on best suits Fennell’s apparent aims with her take on the story, and its absurdity alone recommends the film.—
Kate Erbland,
IndieWire,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pretensions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretensions. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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