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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pretentious
Kansas City Star, 17 July 2025
Though there are only 12 seatings per night, the ambiance is relaxed and intimate, not pretentious.
—Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025
Despite the cool design vibe here, there’s nothing pretentious about Ammos Hotel, which is ultimately a family hotel with a friendly atmosphere– evidenced by its most beloved employee: a Boston Terrier named Jonny.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Even when Season Three felt meandering or pretentious, the vibe set by the music and the production design never faltered.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretentious
Adjective
While the craft cocktails of her new bar, Something Good, are inventive, the vibes are anything but pretentious.
—Kansas City Star, 17 July 2025
Though there are only 12 seatings per night, the ambiance is relaxed and intimate, not pretentious.
—Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure, 21 May 2025
Despite the cool design vibe here, there’s nothing pretentious about Ammos Hotel, which is ultimately a family hotel with a friendly atmosphere– evidenced by its most beloved employee: a Boston Terrier named Jonny.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Even when Season Three felt meandering or pretentious, the vibe set by the music and the production design never faltered.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretentious
Adjective
-
But this act of arrogant bullying should also re-kindle the spirit of hope and unity that swept through this community in the aftermath of that horrible night in 2016, that still binds Orlando in its 150th anniversary year.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
21 Aug. 2025
-
Harry Potter fans might recognize Stroma for playing the arrogant Hogwarts student named Cormac McLaggen in the film franchise.—
Olivia Singh,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
And still, most new brands enter with a kind of hopeful arrogance, as if a good idea and some nice branding are enough to push past gravity.—
Joel Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
14 Aug. 2025
-
There’s a certain kind of arrogance that doesn’t yell or pound its chest.—
Stephanie Dillon,
Rolling Stone,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Their minimalist bottles and containers photograph beautifully, their price points signal exclusivity without screaming ostentation, and their international origins provide cultural cache.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
24 June 2025
-
As high heels become less of a requisite in certain arenas, the Cannes red carpet — whose ostentation is rivaled only by the Met Gala or the Oscars — is something of a final frontier.—
Leah Dolan,
CNN Money,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
Hard cuts, double takes, and strange cameos are par for the course with Spike, but those affectations tend to distract from the primacy of this film’s performances.—
David Ehrlich,
IndieWire,
19 May 2025
-
The scenic appeal is undeniable, nature’s majestic prose both frames and dwarfs the tumultuous affectations of the characters.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Jamie Demetriou, best known for his memorable performances in Fleabag and Stath Lets Flats, has been cast as the pompous and self-important distant relative who intends to marry one of the Bennet girls.—
Emily Blackwood,
People.com,
30 July 2025
-
Over two films, Reed faced off against Victor, the pompous and vengeful CEO of Von Doom Industries.—
Derek Lawrence,
Vulture,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
Like so many peddling some version of righteous superiority.—
Jody Mamone,
Hartford Courant,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Perhaps Robins should take a step back, let go of her sense of superiority, and try to understand that people are leaving the Democratic Party because they are actually informed.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Long before their estrangement, Diana taught William and Harry what that legacy looked like: a new kind of royal life rooted not in pomp but in compassion.—
Simon Perry,
People.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Ming was eulogized during the service and more pomp that comes with a traditional law enforcement funeral service was carried out including the folding and presenting of the flag that draped his casket, a 21-gun salute (seven riflemen firing three volleys), and the playing of taps.—
Emily Curiel,
Kansas City Star,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Since arriving in the Cotswolds, Vance has mingled with various right-wing politicians, including Robert Jenrick, a plummy Conservative lawmaker with growing populist pretensions, and Nigel Farage, the Brexit architect, who has a very real chance of becoming Britain’s next Prime Minister.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
15 Aug. 2025
-
This is disposable entertainment with no pretensions to being anything more, whose 90-odd minutes may be unmemorable yet pass by as enjoyably as a chance reunion with old friends.—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
1 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretentious. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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