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
Boasting fresh sea air, healing waters and inspiring natural light, this area of the country offers a unique opportunity to experience luxury the Danish way: without pretension, surrounded by nature and the highest quality art, food and design.
—
Lois Alter Mark, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
The man who once mocked piety had become a moral touchstone; the scold of American pretensions now dined with tycoons.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Starr was the fastest to comic relief and most averse to pretension in any form.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Their pretensions are witheringly lampooned in this comic thriller about Ronnie, a Pakistani American who tags along to the desert enclave with her friend turned life coach, Marley.
—Calum Marsh, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Lois Alter Mark, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
The man who once mocked piety had become a moral touchstone; the scold of American pretensions now dined with tycoons.
—Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2025
Starr was the fastest to comic relief and most averse to pretension in any form.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Their pretensions are witheringly lampooned in this comic thriller about Ronnie, a Pakistani American who tags along to the desert enclave with her friend turned life coach, Marley.
—Calum Marsh, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretension
Noun
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Instead, the court said that the right to claim burdens on executive functions belongs to the president, not to his opponents in the case.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
30 May 2025
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Tesla needs to get this right, and the technology is still a work in progress.—
Hugh Cameron,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 May 2025
Noun
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Opinion: America was gaslit by the arrogance of Joe Biden and his enablers.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
25 May 2025
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The arrogance of the IRS should shock the conscience of all Americans.—
Chuck Flint,
Boston Herald,
21 May 2025
Noun
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From our review: Tessa Van den Broeck, a newcomer, plays Julie with zero affectation.—
The New York Times,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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No fussy affectations, just a deliberate tamping down of his more charismatic qualities.—
A.A. Dowd,
Rolling Stone,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This was still wild country, and Fuller set off with the express purpose of producing a book about her journey.—
James Marcus,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
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These rituals included a physical action, an emotional expression and a shared sense of purpose.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Noun
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As long as the world remains fixated on the Jews and Israel, Islamists and their allies can use their overwhelming numbers (and, yes, their financial superiority) to flood the zone with demonizing propaganda and portray themselves as the good guys.—
Tom Rogers,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 June 2025
-
The company reports that comparative tests consistently confirm its superiority over traditional elastomers, especially after aggressive industrial processing.—
Angela Velasquez,
Sourcing Journal,
5 June 2025
Noun
-
Perhaps Posey will look into that now that the pretense of the campaign has been lost.—
Dieter Kurtenbach,
Mercury News,
5 June 2025
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UConn is already closing small classes and programs on the pretense of efficiency, while asking faculty to teach increasingly larger classes.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
1 June 2025
Noun
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But Bennett’s goal would not keep the Panthers ahead for long.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
7 June 2025
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The Pride have allowed a goal in each of their past six games, and the defensive unit has taken a step backward from last season.—
Kyle Foley,
The Orlando Sentinel,
6 June 2025
Noun
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Entertainment companies have been exploring how to use AI in their processes, which supporters say can help reduce costs and allow creatives to test bold ideas without as many financial constraints.—
Wendy Lee,
Los Angeles Times,
4 June 2025
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But, these beverages aren't always a good idea—here's what to consider before you order.—
Alice Oglethorpe,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretension. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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