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
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
Boasting fresh sea air, healing waters and inspiring natural light, this area of the country offers a unique opportunity to experience luxury the Danish way: without pretension, surrounded by nature and the highest quality art, food and design.
—Lois Alter Mark, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
Boasting fresh sea air, healing waters and inspiring natural light, this area of the country offers a unique opportunity to experience luxury the Danish way: without pretension, surrounded by nature and the highest quality art, food and design.
—Lois Alter Mark, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretension
Noun
-
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
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But the main purpose of the tower is to add more beds, Northwestern wrote in the application.—
Lisa Schencker,
Chicago Tribune,
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
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Yet as more data has emerged demonstrating the safety or even superiority of AI for some tasks, those views are likely changing.—
Jesse Pines,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2025
-
Red Bull enjoyed a period of superiority since the inception of the current ground effect era in 2022, thanks to the aerodynamic expertise of the team's former chief technical officer, Adrian Newey.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 June 2025
Noun
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The federal indictment alleges that Combs and his associates lured two of the women under the pretense of a romantic relationship.—
Richard Winton,
Los Angeles Times,
30 June 2025
-
Theft by false pretenses: A Saratoga resident said someone convinced them to sign a property deed in lieu of foreclosure to avoid filing for bankruptcy.—
Anne Gelhaus,
Mercury News,
27 June 2025
Noun
-
One key goal of the exhibit is to help visitors connect to the importance of heat, shade and urban trees.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 July 2025
-
Our goal is to protect Palestinian human rights from Hamas terrorism.—
Efrat Lachter,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
Noun
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One of the first in the now exceedingly popular date night genre, this nifty book has 50 date ideas to keep things interesting for you and your boo.—
WIRED,
Wired 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 15 Jul. 2025.
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