PRETENTIOUS Synonyms: 171 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

pretentious

adjective

pri-ˈten(t)-shəs

Definition of pretentious next

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

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

Synonym Chooser

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 The vineyard's setting, with its panoramic views of the valley, creates an atmosphere of exclusive luxury that never feels pretentious. —

Shelby Knick, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 Mark pulled his sister Devon (Jen Tullock) aside at a party for his pretentious brother-in-law Ricken (Michael Chernus). —

Judy Berman, TIME, 17 Jan. 2025 Daniel Brühl co-starred as pretentious director Eric Bouchard, with Aya Cash as producer Anita and Billy Magnussen and Richard E. Grant as actors Adam Randolph and Peter Fairchild. —

Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 3 Jan. 2025 The way every Chinese phone has a watermark feature that adds a white border to photos snapped, with some slightly pretentious image data information listed? —

Ben Sin, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pretentious

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretentious

Adjective

Saxon, for instance, is filling the same spoiled, arrogant space as Jake Lacy’s Shane from Season One.

— Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2025
From director James Ashcroft (Coming Home in the Dark), who co-wrote the script with Eli Kent, The Rule of Jenny Pen centers on arrogant judge Stefan Mortensen (Rush), who has to live in a retirement home after a near-fatal stroke leaves him partially paralyzed.

— Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 3 Feb. 2025