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
This is disposable entertainment with no pretensions to being anything more, whose 90-odd minutes may be unmemorable yet pass by as enjoyably as a chance reunion with old friends.
—
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
Happy's father's untimely death was what led to Happy developing a short fuse, and his bond with his grandma was what first inspired him to take up the game of golf despite his distaste for the pretensions of the sport.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 25 July 2025
The dining room is filled with pretension that keeps the volume whisper-level quiet, but who needs to chat loudly when every bite screams.
—Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
Caminero’s 19th home run of the first round was the moment all my pretension was stripped away.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Dennis Harvey, Variety, 1 Aug. 2025
Happy's father's untimely death was what led to Happy developing a short fuse, and his bond with his grandma was what first inspired him to take up the game of golf despite his distaste for the pretensions of the sport.
—Megan McCluskey, Time, 25 July 2025
The dining room is filled with pretension that keeps the volume whisper-level quiet, but who needs to chat loudly when every bite screams.
—Rafael Peña, Miami Herald, 23 July 2025
Caminero’s 19th home run of the first round was the moment all my pretension was stripped away.
—Kyle Feldscher, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretension
Noun
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The job cuts are permanent, and employees will not have bumping rights to other positions.—
Chase Jordan,
Charlotte Observer,
10 Sep. 2025
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In a 21-page ruling, Talwani found that ICE holding an 18-year-old migrant arrested on charges of shoplifting without a bond hearing violated his due process rights.—
Mia Cathell,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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This arrogance is not just limited to tech titans.—
Christian Josi,
Boston Herald,
31 Aug. 2025
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These traits do not always show up as arrogance.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The scenic appeal is undeniable, nature’s majestic prose both frames and dwarfs the tumultuous affectations of the characters.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
11 Aug. 2025
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As a director, Serio has made a name for himself with these kinds of actor-forward, hyperintimate, hyperreal stagings — Uncle Vanya in a loft — and this is a case where minimalism comes across as an affectation.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
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It hasn’t been approved by the FDA for that purpose and hasn’t been shown to be effective.—
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
4 Sep. 2025
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
Nia Bowers,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Early birds have long basked in the glory of health superiority, sometimes even tinged with a hit of moral righteousness.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
4 Sep. 2025
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For DeMuth, the goal is not only technical superiority but national strategic advantage.—
Matthew Kayser,
USA Today,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
But not everyone accepts that pretense.—
Miranda Jeyaretnam,
Time,
1 Sep. 2025
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But the Jiménezes’ work does not carry the pretense of purity.—
Ana Karina Zatarain,
New Yorker,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Create a list of 20-30 companies aligned with your career goals.—
Johnny C. Taylor Jr,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
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China’s already reached its goal of getting 300 million people involved.—
Russell Flannery,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
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In the midst of feeling helpless, Kate said an idea took shape to commemorate the victims.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
8 Sep. 2025
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And the 18-year-old Mastantuono has already brought fresh ideas to Madrid’s attack.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretension. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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