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
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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
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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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pretension
Drop the pretension of a late-night club and lean into a space-filled with incredible music and community (and the pleasant glow of daylight).
—
Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
His pretensions—riding around in a grand coach and continuing the weekly levees—as well as his administration’s notorious effort to enforce deference in the 1798 Sedition Act, fell flat.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
But the soul of the city lies in the West Kowloon Cultural District, where the M+ museum offers art without velvet-rope pretension.
—Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
The same thing Linklater has been teaching me my whole life, which is that humor is the great cure for pretension.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Britt Julious, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
His pretensions—riding around in a grand coach and continuing the weekly levees—as well as his administration’s notorious effort to enforce deference in the 1798 Sedition Act, fell flat.
—Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 7 Jan. 2026
But the soul of the city lies in the West Kowloon Cultural District, where the M+ museum offers art without velvet-rope pretension.
—Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 1 Jan. 2026
The same thing Linklater has been teaching me my whole life, which is that humor is the great cure for pretension.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 5 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretension
Noun
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What does the law require of people who wish to become citizens of the United States and gain the right to vote?—
Cal Thomas,
Arkansas Online,
10 Feb. 2026
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Wiener is also pushing new legislation — called the No Kings Act — that would allow people in California to sue federal agents for violating their rights.—
Kevin Rector,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Despite trariffs, military power, dollar dominance and presidential arrogance, isolation, America will triumph.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
23 Jan. 2026
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Adriana is immediately aware of his confidence—bordering on arrogance—but also senses potential chemistry in their skating styles.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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For the most part though, For the First Time, Again is weighed down by oversinging and emotional affectation.—
Millan Verma,
Pitchfork,
30 Jan. 2026
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The self-conscious aspiration to hipness here is unfortunate and decidedly not cool, but some may find such affectations quaint.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Nevertheless, laid low by cancer and the claim battle, Karen Powers continued on in the job that had provided her with a lifelong sense of meaning and purpose.—
J.C. Hallman,
Oklahoman,
10 Feb. 2026
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SpaceX plans to use its Starship system for the task — the largest spacecraft and rocket system ever built, and the vehicle that Musk says is purpose-made for taking people to Mars.—
Jackie Wattles,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Public health experts also criticized the president for making unfounded claims about highly politicized health issues.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
9 Feb. 2026
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Here’s how to claim your lottery prize For Indiana Lottery prizes, the claim process varies depending on the prize amount.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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At the same time, Chinese state media reportedly released images emphasizing Beijing’s technological and military superiority, while highlighting its ability to take Taiwan by force if necessary.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Feb. 2026
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Unlike the Cold War-era contest between the Soviet Union and the United States, which was driven by governments seeking to demonstrate technological superiority, today's race is increasingly powered by private companies and commercial competition.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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This is not an e-bike; there are no pedals and, interestingly, no pretense of a bicycle categorization to blur regulatory lines.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
4 Feb. 2026
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Wang faces four counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, one count of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious injury, one count of kidnapping, and two counts of larceny over $1,200 by false pretense.—
Michelle Lee,
PEOPLE,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
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If your goal is to get at the truth, or at least our closest approximation of it at the present time, the way to do that is to be scrupulous and forthright about the strengths and weaknesses of every link in your chain of argument.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
10 Feb. 2026
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The goal of any action, however, remains something of a mystery.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pretension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretension. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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