variants
also hifalutin
1
as in rhetoric
full of fine words and fancy expressions
his highfalutin paean to the working class failed to win over a crowd that wanted to hear down-to-earth proposals for economic relief
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in arrogant
having a feeling of superiority that shows itself in an overbearing attitude
her highfalutin relatives from New York made the snide remark that her little house "has that lived-in look"
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in superior
having or displaying feelings of scorn for what is regarded as beneath oneself
refused to be intimidated by the highfalutin manner of the sales staff in the fashionable boutique
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in smug
self-consciously trying to present an appearance of grandeur or importance
"fine Southern cuisine" sounds a bit highfalutin for a barbecue shack
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of highfalutin
Newsom, for all his highfalutin rhetoric about championing all Californians, just can’t quit the gentry and the insiders who have made his career.
—
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024
After selling more than 150 million albums, filling stadiums for decades and earning highfalutin accolades such as the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song and Kennedy Center Honors, Garth Brooks shouldn’t be affected by much.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2024
The general idea is: creative cocktail lounge minus all the highfalutin fuss.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2024
Whitmer makes her case in less than 160 pages with almost no highfalutin language.
—Amanda Uhle, Washington Post, 9 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for highfalutin
Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024
After selling more than 150 million albums, filling stadiums for decades and earning highfalutin accolades such as the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song and Kennedy Center Honors, Garth Brooks shouldn’t be affected by much.
—Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 13 Sep. 2024
The general idea is: creative cocktail lounge minus all the highfalutin fuss.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 11 July 2024
Whitmer makes her case in less than 160 pages with almost no highfalutin language.
—Amanda Uhle, Washington Post, 9 July 2024
See All Example Sentences for highfalutin
Recent Examples of Synonyms for highfalutin
Adjective
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The actor has one daughter with ex-wife Melanie Griffith and has been dating his girlfriend Nicole Kimpel since 2014. 05 of 09 John Lithgow as Lord Farquaad The actor behind the arrogant Lord Farquaad boasts an impressive career that began decades before Shrek came out in 2001.—
Zoey Lyttle,
People.com,
1 Mar. 2025
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Many members of its board appeared arrogant in the face of questions from the prosecutor or one of the lawyers.—
Laia Cervelló Herrero,
The Athletic,
23 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The superior rooms offer simplicity and comfort, as well as Cape Panwa views.—
Jenn Rice,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Mar. 2025
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Miami’s Cam Ward, a friend of Sanders’, possesses superior physical skills.—
Troy Renck,
Orlando Sentinel,
2 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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While the Duttons are just barely scraping by, the smug evil-doer is enjoying a warm bath in his mansion.—
Matt Cabral,
EW.com,
23 Feb. 2025
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Most of your editorials, John Brummett, Rex Nelson, and John Deering, are blatant Trump haters, and their smug, condescending echo-chamber mindsets are constantly denigrating, mocking, and disrespecting at least 64 percent of your potential readers.—
arkansasonline.com,
arkansasonline.com,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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The rhetorical strategy was part of Macron’s effort to keep the unsteady peace talks moving forward.—
Brian Bennett,
TIME,
25 Feb. 2025
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Last spring, the Kremlin added a new rhetorical weapon to its regular barrages against President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine.—
Paul Sonne,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just $2.50 $1 per month for 1 year.—
Parker Hall,
WIRED,
8 Mar. 2025
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So, being able to see behind the scenes, which many people don’t get to see, was really important to us.—
Addie Morfoot,
Variety,
8 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Saldana also highlighted this in her acceptance speech by sharing how being in a Spanish-speaking role would have made her grandmother proud.—
Topsie VandenBosch,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
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Angie Stone was proud to be an Honorary Member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
4 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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In the cool interiors of this chic Parisian address though, savouring an aged Armagnac after lunch or dinner is not a pretentious throwback, but a gastronomic pleasure.—
Paul Caputo,
Forbes,
28 Feb. 2025
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The restaurant is slightly more elevated than your classic casual spot but is far from pretentious.—
Lydia Mansel,
Southern Living,
25 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But after this rush of cavalier soldiering and bitter sarcasm comes a sobering moment.—
Jake Coyle,
Boston Herald,
28 Feb. 2025
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According to a Vet Explains Pets article by Dr. Jess Kirk, the breeds that are more suited for living with small animals like rabbits include golden retrievers, cavalier king Charles spaniels, pugs, beagles, and poodles, among others.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
Articles Related to highfalutin
Cite this Entry
“Highfalutin.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/highfalutin. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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