Thesaurus

pretension

Q: How is the word 'pretension' different from other nouns like it?

The words ambition and aspiration are common synonyms of pretension . While all three words mean "strong desire for advancement," pretension suggests ardent desire for recognition of accomplishment often without actual possession of the necessary ability and therefore may imply presumption. // has literary pretensions

Q: When would 'ambition' be a good substitute for 'pretension'?

The words ambition and pretension can be used in similar contexts, but ambition applies to the desire for personal advancement or preferment and may suggest equally a praiseworthy or an inordinate desire. // driven by ambition

Q: In what contexts can 'aspiration' take the place of 'pretension'?

While in some cases nearly identical to pretension , aspiration implies a striving after something higher than oneself. // an aspiration to become president someday

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of pretension

1 an entitlement to something

a pretension of long standing to the throne of Hungary

Synonyms for pretension

Words Related to pretension

favor,
privilege

refusal

Near Antonyms for pretension

2 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 for pretension

Words Related to pretension

superiority complex

Near Antonyms for pretension

Antonyms for pretension

3 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 for pretension

Words Related to pretension

grandiloquence

Near Antonyms for pretension

4 something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

has serious pretensions of becoming a writer

Synonyms for pretension

Words Related to pretension

grail,
holy grail

nirvana

Phrases Synonymous with pretension

name of the game

Near Antonyms for pretension

Frequently Asked Questions About pretension

How is the word pretension different from other nouns like it?

The words ambition and aspiration are common synonyms of pretension. While all three words mean "strong desire for advancement," pretension suggests ardent desire for recognition of accomplishment often without actual possession of the necessary ability and therefore may imply presumption.

has literary pretensions

When would ambition be a good substitute for pretension?

The words ambition and pretension can be used in similar contexts, but ambition applies to the desire for personal advancement or preferment and may suggest equally a praiseworthy or an inordinate desire.

driven by ambition