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
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4
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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pretension
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 place, a rental, is furnished without pretension—cushy sectional, vintage Tabasco poster, board games.
—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Electric Bleu is a testament to the reality that food can be technically precise and expertly executed, without the pretension and toxicity so often associated with fine dining kitchens.
—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
There’s no phoniness, no pretension.
—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Hannah Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2026
The place, a rental, is furnished without pretension—cushy sectional, vintage Tabasco poster, board games.
—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Electric Bleu is a testament to the reality that food can be technically precise and expertly executed, without the pretension and toxicity so often associated with fine dining kitchens.
—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
16 Apr. 2026
There’s no phoniness, no pretension.
—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 Apr. 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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Sheriff's officials said a detailed investigation determined three employees used the system for non-law enforcement purposes, violating both agency policy and Georgia law.
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Protect your space, then re-engage with purpose.
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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Critics argued that the message of a White man elevated above both a Native American and an African symbolized racial superiority.
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Word about Hitler’s belief in Aryan superiority had spread far, and many observers warned of its genocidal, war-bringing ramifications.
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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His goal is to inspire people to get outside.
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Messi, 38, recorded his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals in a 2-0 victory over Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Cite this Entry
“Pretension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretension. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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