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

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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 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretension

Noun

The sheen is light as a feather, blends like a dream, and at SPF 50, is a serious sunscreen in its own right.

— Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
On the surface, the Supreme Court’s June 30 opinion upholding state laws barring transgender girls from women’s and girl’s sports teams looks like a victory for women’s rights.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026

Definition of right

Noun

Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down.

— Phil Plait, Scientific American, 26 June 2026
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.

— Kalia Richardson, USA Today, 24 June 2026

Definition of arrogance

Noun

In the wrong hands, those points of reference could land like an affectation, but instead, the band’s embrace of them feels genuine.

— Nick Laskin, Pitchfork, 20 May 2026
The 33-year-old Indianapolis native can trace its origins to a natural inclination toward performing and a lifelong admiration of Diane Sawyer and Katie Couric, but there's no step-by-step guide on how Sullivan mastered the affectation.

— Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 4 May 2026

Definition of affectation

Noun

However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

— Gina Vaynshteyn, StyleCaster, 9 July 2026
First, only players with three years of NBA experience are eligible (even a portion of a season in the NBA counts as a year for two-way purposes).

— Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 9 July 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

Kunst said there were some undocumented claims of miraculous cures prior to when records of such occurrences would be kept, dating back to the 1950s.

— Vivian Wilson, Twin Cities, 8 July 2026
All claims were dismissed, and a hearing will be held on July 29 and 30 to hear arguments on any points of dispute.

— Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026

Definition of claim

Noun

These early precedents in fictional brutality also weaken Thomson’s next point, about literature’s superiority.

— Michael O’Donnell, The Atlantic, 2 July 2026
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.

— Stephen J. Nesbitt, New York Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of superiority

Noun

Trimpey also faces a felony charge of obtaining money by false pretenses.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
In the suit, Ibrahim alleges that he was lured to the gym under the pretense of a challenge and was ambushed by Watson, a co-owner of the gym and two other men.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Definition of pretense

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pretension

pretensions

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“Pretension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretension. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of pretension

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