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
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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
Accusing it of being pretentious, an ego trip, and lacking depth.
—
Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
His style and references can seem a little pretentious now.
—Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
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
The restaurant is slightly more elevated than your classic casual spot but is far from pretentious.
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretentious
Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 10 Mar. 2025
His style and references can seem a little pretentious now.
—Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 9 Mar. 2025
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
The restaurant is slightly more elevated than your classic casual spot but is far from pretentious.
—Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretentious
Adjective
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Ava Daniels is a young comedy writer who is unable to find work due to an insensitive tweet and her reputation for being self-centered and arrogant.—
Paul Tassi,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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And the villains, of course, exuding every nastily relatable emotion; the stepmothers and sorceresses are vain, arrogant, dismissive, lonely, rude, and outrageous.—
Darren Franich,
Vulture,
26 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Nelis renders the professor a pompous and pedantic twit but not a heartless one.—
Charles McNulty,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Mar. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Smoke favors a dapper gray three-piece suit and flat cap, while Stack, gold tooth caps glittering in his mouth, is more ostentatious in his burgundy fedora with matching tie and pocket square.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
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By taking up a quarter of the space in her car with her ostentatious hat.—
Kinsey Jasnoch,
Vulture,
7 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Incorporate grandiose accents like opulent chandeliers, old-world upholstery, and ornate picture frames.—
Isabella Milano,
Better Homes & Gardens,
3 Apr. 2025
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Nithyananda was also grandiose, linking himself to long religious and royal lineages.—
Mujib Mashal,
New York Times,
3 Apr. 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
-
Jaylon is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2025
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Hosted by actor & advocate Jonah Platt, a trusted expert in contemporary Jewish culture, identity, and politics, Being Jewish seeks to engage, educate, and empower listeners to take full ownership of their identities and live as their proudest, most authentic selves.—
Paul Du Quenoy,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretentious. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.
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