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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in ostentation
excessive or unnecessary display
the sheer pretentiousness of the debutante's wedding
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 utter pretentiousness of the movie is matched only by the incomprehensibility of its story
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretentiousness
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 -
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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As with Yamamoto-san’s suit, my comfort and pleasure would be the biggest factors here; there would be no room for ostentation.—
Gary Shteyngart,
The Atlantic,
7 Feb. 2025
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The mansion, often considered a monument to Roaring ‘20s ostentation, stretches from the Intracoastal to the Atlantic Ocean.—
Miami Herald Archives,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 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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Wealth isn’t about intelligence or moral superiority.—
Greg Clement,
Forbes,
14 Mar. 2025
-
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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Many high-end restaurants, especially in Texas, try to offer fancy tacos at inflated prices without delivering anything worthy of the cost or pomp.—
Tasha Tsiaperas,
Axios,
11 Mar. 2025
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As the next monarch, William holds the key to the pomp and pageantry Trump admires.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
Fox News,
7 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Harrington recently appeared on the Cookie Jar Golf podcast and opened up about how the then-21-year-old McIlroy shattered his pretensions as a heavy favorite to win the title.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
25 Feb. 2025
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Rush were almost in danger of becoming too brainy and obscure for their own good by the end of the ’70s, but the band would rein in their pretensions with tighter songwriting in the albums that would follow. 5.—
Al Shipley,
SPIN,
12 Feb. 2025
Noun
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With such a deliciously dramatic tone set by host Alan Cumming, the U.S. franchise often sees its celebrity players embracing the flamboyance of their setting even more than their gameplay.—
Caroline Framke,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2025
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As luxury fashion began to tilt toward flamboyance and logo-happy flash, the Meiers were unafraid to show something as stark as pencil-straight dark trousers with a white button-up.—
Jacob Gallagher,
New York Times,
26 Feb. 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
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Cite this Entry
“Pretentiousness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretentiousness. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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