1
as in right
an entitlement to something
a pretension of long standing to the throne of Hungary
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
The digs at the pretensions of artists, channeled through Claire’s decision to make her death a public spectacle in order to secure some future fame, are less amusing here because the blows never seem to quite connect with their targets.
—
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2026
This idyllic stretch of western New Jersey is dotted with postcard-pretty towns that blend Americana charm with elevated local eats, funky cultural gems, and a refreshing lack of pretension.
—
Hannah Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2026
The family described Turner as someone known for his humor, loyalty and lack of pretension despite his fame and wealth.
—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
The place, a rental, is furnished without pretension—cushy sectional, vintage Tabasco poster, board games.
—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Leslie Felperin,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2026
This idyllic stretch of western New Jersey is dotted with postcard-pretty towns that blend Americana charm with elevated local eats, funky cultural gems, and a refreshing lack of pretension.
—
Hannah Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2026
The family described Turner as someone known for his humor, loyalty and lack of pretension despite his fame and wealth.
—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
6 May 2026
The place, a rental, is furnished without pretension—cushy sectional, vintage Tabasco poster, board games.
—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretension
Noun
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The legal action is part of a broader series of disputes in the streaming industry over carriage rights, bundling requirements and pricing control.
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Receiving a pass right in front of the goal, Gabriel Martinelli tapped the ball with his left foot to his right and scored a goal into the far side of the net.
Noun
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Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down.
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In Episode 3, Harris discussed the early arrogance of the founding fathers who made proposals for America's independence and questioned who was entitled to freedom.
Noun
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The elder Taylor exuded the easy-going charm of a music legend who is free of any airs or affectations.
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Slumming with her sister in San Francisco after her life with her Madoff-like ex in New York implodes, Jasmine Francis isn't quite willing to let go of the affectations that come with living in high society.
Noun
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There were other reminders as well, some less subtle than others, of the true purpose of Congress.
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However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Noun
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Court bars asylum claims before refugees enter US Alito wrote another decision June 25 for a 6-3 majority that allowed the administration to turn back refugees at the border.
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His denials and claims about Carroll were central to her defamation allegations.
Noun
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These early precedents in fictional brutality also weaken Thomson’s next point, about literature’s superiority.
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Part of the reason for this is the Dodgers have entered a boring-great stage of hegemony, in which their superiority over the rest of the league is so pronounced that there is little to discuss on a day-to-day basis.
Noun
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The longevity industry profits from mystifying the obvious, but Emanuel largely dispenses with pretense.
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In granting the President this unbridled authority, the Court upends its precedent, misconstrues our history, and sheds any pretense of judicial modesty.
Noun
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Balogun matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the initial tournament in 1930.
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Controversial red card looms large The story of the game to that point was Folarin Balogun, who scored a goal in the 45th minute and then was given a controversial red card in the second half.
Cite this Entry
“Pretension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretension. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.
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