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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pretentious
The restaurant is slightly more elevated than your classic casual spot but is far from pretentious.
—
Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
But diners won’t find pretentious fare at Canal House Station.
—USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
Art fairs trend toward the exclusive and pretentious.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
This upsets Slowik, who then forces the pretentious foodie to cook an impromptu dish in front of everyone.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretentious
Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
But diners won’t find pretentious fare at Canal House Station.
—USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2025
Art fairs trend toward the exclusive and pretentious.
—Chadd Scott, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025
This upsets Slowik, who then forces the pretentious foodie to cook an impromptu dish in front of everyone.
—Randall Colburn, EW.com, 1 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretentious
Adjective
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In a world where deal flow is crucial, being labeled as an arrogant VC results in missing out on prime opportunities.—
David Nour,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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The arrogant anti-union stance did not start with the current CEO; even the legendary Studs Terkel was slapped down by WFMT management for his earlier support of an effort to unionize in 1990.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Basden could have slicked up his acting with a lot of pompous pop star clichés.—
Peter Rainer,
The Christian Science Monitor,
25 Mar. 2025
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And every scene and song featuring the hilarious Eric Anderson as the pompous and preening Union Gen. George B. McClellan is a comic gem.—
Pam Kragen,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Do that five or six times and then garnish with a celery stalk, and perhaps something ostentatious like a poached shrimp or a cheeseburger, and enjoy.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
7 Feb. 2025
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Of clothing: not showy, ostentatious, or overly revealing.—
Jalen Williams,
Detroit Free Press,
3 Dec. 2024
Adjective
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See the grandiose steps, ornate lampposts, art deco doors, unchanged from the days when a commissionaire was on guard to welcome the players into the Marble Halls.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
28 Mar. 2025
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Interestingly, men in relationships with women high in grandiose narcissism reported lower satisfaction, as these women heightened their partners’ pressure to appear perfect.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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So the letter’s high-minded tone will rankle, no doubt.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Mar. 2025
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That high-minded stupidity kind of vibe is huge for me.—
Emma Specter,
Vogue,
17 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Mizrahi - What was the proudest moment of your career?—
Isaac Mizrahi,
Forbes.com,
28 Mar. 2025
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Was proud of winning the school’s first district championship in 20 years.—
Gary Curreri,
Sun Sentinel,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretentious. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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