pretentious 1 of 2

adjective

pri-ˈten(t)-shəs How to pronounce pretentious (audio)
Definition of pretentiousnext
1
as in arrogant
self-consciously trying to present an appearance of grandeur or importance that pretentious couple always serves caviar at their parties, even though they themselves dislike it

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2
as in superior
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude a pretentious author whose books only appeal to equally pretentious readers

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

pretentiousness

2 of 2

noun

1
as in arrogance
an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims everyone took her ingrained pretentiousness into account when considering her statements

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2
as in ostentation
excessive or unnecessary display the sheer pretentiousness of the debutante's wedding

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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 utter pretentiousness of the movie is matched only by the incomprehensibility of its story

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How is the word pretentious different from other adjectives like it?

The words ostentatious and showy are common synonyms of pretentious. While all three words mean "given to excessive outward display," pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing.

a pretentious parade of hard words

When might ostentatious be a better fit than pretentious?

In some situations, the words ostentatious and pretentious are roughly equivalent. However, ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade.

the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

When is it sensible to use showy instead of pretentious?

The words showy and pretentious can be used in similar contexts, but showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste.

the performers' showy costumes

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pretentious
Adjective
Not to sound pretentious, but Elwood Dowd is sort of like a Christlike figure. — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026 Again, what sounds pretentious is replaced with a story on the importance of storytelling itself, as a way to resist cruelty and recognize hope. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026
Noun
There's no pretentiousness or rigid formality, but the service, food, and wine are top-notch. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026 The lack of pretentiousness signals something about who’s welcome there. — Zach Helfand, New Yorker, 29 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretentious
  1. arrogant
  2. pompous
  3. ostentatious
  4. grandiose
  5. smug
  6. proud
  7. high-minded
Adjective
  • As such, there is a tendency among such countries to view Europeans as arrogant and self-serving, perhaps even neo-colonialist, with a desire to at least maintain, or maybe even strengthen, their position of power.
    — Simon Chadwick, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
  • James, Lord Dalhousie, the arrogant and ruthless Governor General of British India, who had long coveted the riches of Punjab and the Koh-i-Noor, was triumphant.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • Does little Arabella care about going to another stuffy awards dinner with her pompous dad?
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
  • Among them a City boy wearing three Fit-Bit-type devices, two beautiful Middle Eastern sisters, an outrageously pompous elderly American (sorry; eavesdropping), and several Imelda Marcos lookalikes, tottering out of the treatment rooms with, somehow, their elaborate hairstyles still intact.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Definition of pompous
Adjective
  • That is where Pedicularis’ large, ostentatious flowers, easily spotted from afar, may help.
    — Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026
  • His informal getup, a T-shirt and shorts, contrasts with the elegant environment primed for business lunches and ostentatious dinners.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of ostentatious
Adjective
  • The city is grandiose enough that there are even ways for filmmakers to put their own spin on its more conventional sights and sounds.
    — Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Serra’s immersive event, a rapture of colors and shadows, pays fittingly grandiose tribute to an emissary of a legendary cinematic era.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of grandiose
Adjective
  • Historian Sandgruber describes how Alois Hitler wrote his 1895 letters in a deeply smug, anti-clerical manner that overestimated his abilities.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026
  • Li at times plays Cola with a smug impetuousness that belies her naivety about this world to a satisfying degree.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 17 June 2026
Definition of smug
Adjective
  • The proud mom shared pictures of her and Green cuddling their little one in the hospital room, concealing the newborn’s face in the snaps.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Glasner is aware of Forest’s proud record of having an academy product in every matchday squad since 1941.
    — Paul Taylor, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • There are many valid readings of this high-minded, heavy-handed modern drama of despair, desperation, love and survival instincts.
    — Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 10 Aug. 2026
  • My bookcase is filled with high-minded proposals made by expert panels, mostly to address budget deficits.
    — Howard Gleckman, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026
Definition of high-minded

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pretentious
pretentiously
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Cite this Entry

“Pretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretentious. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of pretentious for Spanish Speakers

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