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
There’s no pretension or judgment here, but nearly everything is pleasing to the eye.
—
Devorah Lev-Tov, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2025
Before Trump, Tokyo spent less than one percent of GDP on defense, an astonishingly low figure for a state adjacent to China and with great-power pretensions.
—Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022
Even Saanen’s most renowned, high-end establishments remain low-key and devoid of pretension, like 16 ART-BAR-RESTAURANT, credited by Michelin as Bib Gourmand for an experience and culinary offering that is both high quality and good value.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 23 Jan. 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
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Devorah Lev-Tov, Travel + Leisure, 8 Feb. 2025
Before Trump, Tokyo spent less than one percent of GDP on defense, an astonishingly low figure for a state adjacent to China and with great-power pretensions.
—Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022
Even Saanen’s most renowned, high-end establishments remain low-key and devoid of pretension, like 16 ART-BAR-RESTAURANT, credited by Michelin as Bib Gourmand for an experience and culinary offering that is both high quality and good value.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 23 Jan. 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
See All Example Sentences for pretension
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretension
Noun
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How that happened is up for debate, with competing stories and narratives fighting for the right to be considered the truth.—
Fortesa Latifi,
Rolling Stone,
19 Mar. 2025
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At right, Lira talks to a delivery worker while sweeping the entrance during the first of his double-shift at Chapter One.—
Cindy Carcamo,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The toxic combination of Trump’s pro-Russia leanings, Vice President J. D. Vance’s arrogance and condescension, and Musk’s sad case of advanced poster’s disease have tanked America’s reputation among its traditional allies.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
16 Mar. 2025
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But jealousy and arrogance get the best of Hamilton, who insinuates himself into the defense team, believing this action will help his political and financial setbacks.—
Oline H. Cogdill,
Sun Sentinel,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Slumming with her sister in San Francisco after her life with her Madoff-like ex in New York implodes, Jasmine Francis isn't quite willing to let go of the affectations that come with living in high society.—
EW Staff,
EW.com,
2 Mar. 2025
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Unlike Chase, Aykroyd worked hard to retain Carter’s affectations and appearance, while also adding a slyness that implied a deeper calculation.—
Harrison Richlin,
IndieWire,
15 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Holland boasts striking advancements in the director’s style and committed performances from Kidman, Macfadyen and Bernal, but these qualities can’t quite save a narrative fundamentally confused about its purpose.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
The Hollywood Reporter,
10 Mar. 2025
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Even identifying the most meaningful bits of driving data for training purposes from endless miles of on-road video is extremely hard to do, said an AV researcher and computer scientist briefed on Tesla’s approach who asked not to be named.—
Alan Ohnsman,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Wealth isn’t about intelligence or moral superiority.—
Greg Clement,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
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Lopez and the co-sponsors want to cloak themselves in moral superiority and call it a day.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Lottie’s wellness cult is no more, although an incriminating video tape gives the adults at least some pretense of narrative tension.—
Abby Monteil,
Them,
13 Mar. 2025
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During this and other trials, Chase abandoned all pretense of impartiality, openly siding with federal prosecutors.—
Marianne Holdzkom,
The Conversation,
12 Mar. 2025
Noun
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On the offensive side of things, Mark Scheifele leads the team with 35 goals and leads the NHL with nine game-winning goals.—
Mark Davis,
Newsweek,
14 Mar. 2025
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The goal: Eliminate the gross receipts tax portion of BIRT and reduce the net income portion by half by fiscal year 2039.—
Mike D'Onofrio,
Axios,
14 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Then Sterling did some less effective things and got suspended anyway, so that mad idea was, at least, parked for the time being.—
Amy Lawrence,
The Athletic,
13 Mar. 2025
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Beyond being well-balanced nutritionally and scrape-the-plate tasty (thanks to the sweet-and-salty peanut sauce), this is one of the best high-protein dinner ideas when you’re crunched for time.—
Karla Walsh,
Better Homes & Gardens,
12 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretension.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretension. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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