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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pretentious
The restaurant is slightly more elevated than your classic casual spot but is far from pretentious.
—
Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for pretentious
Lydia Mansel, Southern Living, 25 Feb. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for pretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretentious
Adjective
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In a world where deal flow is crucial, being labeled as an arrogant VC results in missing out on prime opportunities.—
David Nour,
Forbes.com,
31 Mar. 2025
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The arrogant anti-union stance did not start with the current CEO; even the legendary Studs Terkel was slapped down by WFMT management for his earlier support of an effort to unionize in 1990.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
29 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
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
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If Holzhauer’s proud of his service and believe he’s earned the property tax exemption, then own it.—
Naperville Sun,
Chicago Tribune,
28 Mar. 2025
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Jaylon is a proud alumnus of the University of Georgia.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
28 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretentious. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.
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