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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 The man who once mocked piety had become a moral touchstone; the scold of American pretensions now dined with tycoons. Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025 Starr was the fastest to comic relief and most averse to pretension in any form. Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025 Their pretensions are witheringly lampooned in this comic thriller about Ronnie, a Pakistani American who tags along to the desert enclave with her friend turned life coach, Marley. Calum Marsh, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pretension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretension
Noun
  • Although Alston is often linked by media to name, image and likeness, which derives from the right of publicity, NIL didn’t appear once in the ruling.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 June 2025
  • Every child deserves the right to a safe sleep environment free from invisible chemical hazards that threaten their development, their potential, and ultimately their future.
    Arlene Blum, Forbes.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • The film sardonically conjures a golden age of interventionist arrogance.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2025
  • Here are the more common ways insecurities can manifest themselves: • Confidence will turn into arrogance.
    Bill English, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • This was still wild country, and Fuller set off with the express purpose of producing a book about her journey.
    James Marcus, New Yorker, 2 June 2025
  • These rituals included a physical action, an emotional expression and a shared sense of purpose.
    Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • As long as the world remains fixated on the Jews and Israel, Islamists and their allies can use their overwhelming numbers (and, yes, their financial superiority) to flood the zone with demonizing propaganda and portray themselves as the good guys.
    Tom Rogers, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
  • The company reports that comparative tests consistently confirm its superiority over traditional elastomers, especially after aggressive industrial processing.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 June 2025
Noun
  • Perhaps Posey will look into that now that the pretense of the campaign has been lost.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 5 June 2025
  • UConn is already closing small classes and programs on the pretense of efficiency, while asking faculty to teach increasingly larger classes.
    Letters to the Editor, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Noun
  • But Bennett’s goal would not keep the Panthers ahead for long.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 7 June 2025
  • Republican leaders have tied these reductions to broader budget goals, including $4.5 trillion in tax cuts championed by former President Donald Trump.
    Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 June 2025
Noun
  • Our results challenge a growing idea that hydrogen will be the 'Swiss army knife of decarbonization' and suggest that the opportunities for hydrogen may be narrower than previously thought.
    Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 June 2025
  • Entertainment companies have been exploring how to use AI in their processes, which supporters say can help reduce costs and allow creatives to test bold ideas without as many financial constraints.
    Wendy Lee, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pretension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretension. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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