Synonyms of pretension

pretension

noun

pri-ˈten(t)-shən 

1

as in right

an entitlement to something

a pretension of long standing to the throne of Hungary

Synonyms & Similar Words

• right
• claim
• pretense
• title
• call
• privilege
• dibs
• refusal
• prerogative
• birthright
• favor

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• waiver
• release
• disclaimer
• quitclaim

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

• arrogance
• superiority
• pretense
• attitude
• disdain
• haughtiness
• pomposity
• superciliousness
• pretentiousness
• loftiness
• imperiousness
• hauteur
• assumption
• pompousness
• peremptoriness
• consequence
• self-importance
• lordliness
• presumptuousness
• masterfulness
• bumptiousness
• vanity
• pridefulness
• huffiness
• toploftiness
• high horse
• dominance
• pride
• condescension
• snobbery
• self-consequence
• scorn
• snobbishness
• snootiness
• snobbism
• bossiness
• high-handedness
• inflation
• bravado
• boastfulness
• authoritativeness
• self-assertion
• smugness
• cheekiness
• brag
• sauciness
• chest-thumping
• swagger
• triumphalism
• bowwow
• impudence
• vainglory
• egoism
• side
• bombast
• egotism
• cockiness
• self-complacency
• strut
• self-satisfaction
• braggadocio
• self-conceit
• self-opinion
• impertinence
• self-centeredness
• conceit
• self-content
• cheek
• complacence
• self-contentment
• vaingloriousness
• swelled head
• superiority complex
• self-assumption
• self-partiality

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• humility
• modesty
• unpretentiousness
• shyness
• bashfulness
• timidity
• diffidence
• demureness
• self-doubt
• passivity
• meekness
• submissiveness
• unassumingness
• passiveness
• lowliness
• reserve
• quietness
• timidness
• self-distrust
• retiringness
• reservedness
• mousiness

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

• affectation
• pretense
• arrogance
• vanity
• disdain
• superiority
• grandiosity
• inflation
• pretentiousness
• pride
• affectedness
• confidence
• snobbery
• smugness
• complacency
• haughtiness
• snobbishness
• egotism
• hauteur
• imperiousness
• superciliousness
• vainglory
• self-aggrandizement
• self-satisfaction
• pompousness
• self-conceit
• boastfulness
• conceit
• self-assertion
• self-importance
• presumptuousness
• presumption
• vainness
• rudeness
• self-assurance
• lordliness
• self-confidence
• bumptiousness
• boldness
• aggressiveness
• self-glorification
• assertiveness
• ostentation
• cockiness
• forwardness
• braggadocio
• sureness
• audaciousness
• vaingloriousness
• cheekiness
• impudence
• insolence
• flamboyance
• gaudiness
• showiness
• grandiloquence
• glitz
• ostentatiousness
• garishness
• flashiness
• mummery
• brassiness
• self-assumption
• self-consequence
• show

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• humility
• modesty
• meekness
• humbleness
• demureness
• timidity
• lowliness
• diffidence
• shyness
• sincerity
• bashfulness
• down-to-earthness
• naturalness

4

as in purpose

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

has serious pretensions of becoming a writer

Synonyms & Similar Words

• purpose
• goal
• idea
• ambition
• intention
• aim
• plan
• intent
• object
• thing
• objective
• dream
• aspiration
• meaning
• design
• point
• end
• ideal
• target
• mark
• bourne
• name of the game
• project
• hope
• desire
• mind
• scheme
• plot
• wish
• holy grail
• destination
• grail
• terminus
• nirvana

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• means
• method
• way

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

Recent Examples of pretension

To adore the literary greats but reject any modicum of pretension? — Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026

Adley and his team make great tasting plates first and foremost, but some of the items, like the unmissable chicken wings stuffed with boudin blanc and romesco, act as a cheeky affront to haute cuisine’s pretensions and conventions. — Colin Wrenn, Denver Post, 3 June 2026

Kids While the lobster is plentiful and the Champagne flows, the St Regis artfully avoids any pretension. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 June 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