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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pretentious
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
You might get confused, bored, or angry sometimes, or wonder if the exercise was unnecessarily silly or pretentious.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretentious
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
You might get confused, bored, or angry sometimes, or wonder if the exercise was unnecessarily silly or pretentious.
—Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 16 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretentious
Adjective
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So this kind of parallel can easily be drawn between Iran and other countries, [including those with] an arrogant isolation program, definitely.—
Georg Szalai,
The Hollywood Reporter,
13 Mar. 2025
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One of the targets of his reign of terror is arrogant Judge Stefan Mortensen, played by Oscar-winning actor Geoffrey Rush admitted to the facility after being left partially paralyzed after a stroke.—
Simon Thompson,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Still, this adaptation of an O. Henry story tilts all its sympathies toward the outlaw hero the Cisco Kid (Warner Baxter, in a Best Actor–winning role) and away from the pompous white soldier charged with tracking him down.—
Keith Phipps,
Vulture,
3 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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Actually, not necessarily so and an ostentatious display of a selection of five new electric vehicles parked in front of the South Portico of the White House improperly mixed the fortunes of Elon Musk and his auto manufacturer with the government.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
13 Mar. 2025
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The most ostentatious resemble small churches or even condo-style apartments with air conditioning, TVs and couches where families can comfortably spend time together.—
Keegan Hamilton,
Los Angeles Times,
17 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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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
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Related article How being a ‘gray rock’ can protect you against narcissists Now, a new study has found grandiose narcissists are not only more likely to feel ostracized but are also genuinely excluded more often than those with less egocentric personalities.—
Julianna Bragg,
CNN,
20 Feb. 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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James, the proud dad was caught on camera celebrating the win like his own team had won the championship.—
Leonard Greene,
New York Daily News,
16 Mar. 2025
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Jaylon is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
16 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to pretentious
Cite this Entry
“Pretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretentious. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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