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
By contrast, Vito—Genovese, that is, not Corleone—pushes drugs aggressively, resorts to violence early and often, and scoffs at any pretensions of legitimacy, especially given the legalized thuggery of the politicians with whom Frank has curried favor.
—
Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
This was the night that any pretensions over Arsenal possessing the requisite firepower to compete on four fronts were put to bed.
—Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
There were no pretensions of showmanship, no displays of braggadocio — just the hollow ringing of palms on goatskin.
—Taran Dugal, Rolling Stone, 16 Dec. 2024
The restaurant's elegant interior, with its high ceilings and classic décor, creates an atmosphere of refined sophistication without pretension—the ideal setting to contemplate the driving adventures that await.
—Shelby Knick, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Justin Chang, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
This was the night that any pretensions over Arsenal possessing the requisite firepower to compete on four fronts were put to bed.
—Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 7 Jan. 2025
There were no pretensions of showmanship, no displays of braggadocio — just the hollow ringing of palms on goatskin.
—Taran Dugal, Rolling Stone, 16 Dec. 2024
The restaurant's elegant interior, with its high ceilings and classic décor, creates an atmosphere of refined sophistication without pretension—the ideal setting to contemplate the driving adventures that await.
—Shelby Knick, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretension
Noun
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The rights to Gregory Maguire's 1995 novel Wicked were quickly snatched up for a movie adaptation, with Demi Moore's production company optioning.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
18 May 2025
-
Earlier this year President Trump signed an executive order which seeks to restrict this right, which was established by the 14th Amendment in 1868.—
Ramon Padilla,
USA Today,
18 May 2025
Noun
-
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
15 May 2025
-
The Knicks have pulled it off by being resilient, near perfect in spurts and with the help of arrogance from the opponent.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
Ivy-as-Marilyn is an inconsiderate, amphetamine guzzling faux-intellectual whose devotion to the acting craft is presented as a vainglorious affectation.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
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The interaction between Briony and Jamie starts off amiably, with Jamie needling Briony for her posh affectations.—
Doreen St. Félix,
The New Yorker,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
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His purpose was to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the genocide and advocate for the release of 23 hostages detained in Azerbaijan.—
Ralphie Aversa,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
-
The screen served different purposes at different junctures.—
Andre Gee,
Rolling Stone,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
During an interview with Josh Martinez of Z100 on Superstar Crossover, Ospreay stated AEW's superiority in the current wrestling landscape.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
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And they’ve been romanticized for nearly as long by foreign travelers who see an espresso bar and long counter full of hot foods, panini, and piles of prosciutto as a sign of culinary superiority.—
Lindsey Tramuta,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 May 2025
Noun
-
In the source material, Dina’s pregnancy is used as an excuse to leave her behind in the theatre, pitting players as Ellie alone, who can set aside any pretenses of the journey being anything more than a revenge mission without her partner’s safety to worry about.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
5 May 2025
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Republicans who fall for this scheme are abandoning any pretense of free-market principles.—
Sally Pipes,
Forbes.com,
3 May 2025
Noun
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Amid uncertainty over Trump’s sweeping tariffs, inflation eased to a four-year low in April, but is still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal.—
Rebecca Morin,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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Ovechkin’s blast got the NHL’s career goals leader on the scoresheet for the first time in the series.—
Aaron Beard,
Baltimore Sun,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Down a long hall is the Youth Leadership Council, a plenary of teens who brainstorm ideas for these Wednesday gatherings.—
Paul Solotaroff,
Rolling Stone,
11 May 2025
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Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter from April 27, had his own idea, and commented on the naming change.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
11 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretension. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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