PRETENSION Synonyms: 185 Similar and Opposite Words

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

pretension

noun

pri-ˈten(t)-shən

Definition of pretension

as in right

an entitlement to something a pretension of long standing to the throne of Hungary

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in purpose

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish has serious pretensions of becoming a writer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of pretension Anyone can join this adventure, this surge of solidarity through collective prayer for our world, to put a stop to all the pretensions of evil. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 21 Sep. 2026 The verdict Superbly located between historic and modern Istanbul, The Ritz-Carlton delivers polished service without pretension. — Vicki Power, TheWeek, 14 Sep. 2026 Martin insisted that it could be done without schmaltz, but the singer was wary of wrecking their reputation with classical pretensions. — Jordan Runtagh, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 It’s revered as a pretension-free refuge from overpriced and overstimulating Ocean Drive. — Amanda Rosa, Miami Herald, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pretension

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretension

Noun

International rights groups say political prisoners in Iran are tried in secretive courts without due process.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Nov. 2026
With House Republicans looking for a scapegoat after their midterm losses, the impeachment vote could pick up votes on the right, too.

— Ashley Gold, semafor.com, 9 Nov. 2026

Definition of right

Noun

But the Workers’ Party (PT) leader, who was accused of arrogance and of failing to understand the needs of young gig-economy workers, shook up his strategy, said Igor Gielow in Folha de São Paulo.

— The Week UK, TheWeek, 31 Oct. 2026
McVay and Snead have effectively built a culture of arrogance.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of arrogance

Noun

But, even then, American socialists walked a fine line—they were considered too radical for the mainstream and a mere bourgeois affectation by committed class revolutionaries.

— Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
With rare exceptions, EV sound is little more than an affectation.

— Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of affectation

Noun

North Korea’s Missile Administration said its cluster warheads fall into four categories, depending on their intended purpose.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2026
The flashback structure doesn’t serve much of a purpose except to delay the audience’s complete endorsement of a character who, though appropriately cantankerous, is unambiguously a hero and nice guy.

— Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

In a speech following Tuesday's ceremony, Netanyahu reiterated his claim that Arab politicians, who represent a minority comprising 20% of Israel's population, cannot be trusted.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Nov. 2026
One of the reasons for the concern is that a state fund designed to support utilities and prevent bankruptcies won’t have enough money to cover claims from future fires.

— Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of claim

Noun

Instead, Taiwan has been crucial to maintaining the United States’ technological superiority.

— LIN CHIA-LUNG, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026
Together, the developments point to a broader role for the aircraft beyond conventional air-superiority missions, reflecting China’s efforts to integrate stealth fighters into increasingly networked combat operations, reports the Global Times.

— Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026

Definition of superiority

Noun

While Springfield was undeniably autobiographical at parts, in Midwest, Davydov does away with the pretense of a fictional avatar.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
Shirley has since visited other states in the US under similar pretenses, showing up unannounced to grocery stores and hospice centers in search of evidence of fraud.

— Mia Sato, The Verge, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of pretense

Noun

The company said its goal is to help defenders discover and fix vulnerabilities before attackers can use them.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Nov. 2026
If the Sens’ backup goaltending situation solves itself, then Staios’ shopping list could be fairly simple between now and the deadline, with landing a goal-scoring forward.

— Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Definition of goal

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“Pretension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretension. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of pretension

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