pretentious

adjective

pri-ˈten(t)-shəs How to pronounce pretentious (audio)
Definition of pretentiousnext
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 supercilious
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

Synonym Chooser

How is the word pretentious different from other adjectives like it?

The words ostentatious and showy are common synonyms of pretentious. While all three words mean "given to excessive outward display," pretentious implies an appearance of importance not justified by the thing's value or the person's standing.

a pretentious parade of hard words

When might ostentatious be a better fit than pretentious?

In some situations, the words ostentatious and pretentious are roughly equivalent. However, ostentatious stresses vainglorious display or parade.

the ostentatious summer homes of the rich

When is it sensible to use showy instead of pretentious?

The words showy and pretentious can be used in similar contexts, but showy implies an imposing or striking appearance but usually suggests cheapness or poor taste.

the performers' showy costumes

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pretentious Not to sound pretentious, but Elwood Dowd is sort of like a Christlike figure. — Scott Feinberg, HollywoodReporter, 4 June 2026 Again, what sounds pretentious is replaced with a story on the importance of storytelling itself, as a way to resist cruelty and recognize hope. — Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 3 June 2026 Set the scene Sexy without being pretentious and bold without the brashness, Il Sereno is a lesson in artful restraint. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026 Service is polished but not pretentious. — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pretentious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretentious
  1. arrogant
  2. pompous
  3. ostentatious
  4. grandiose
  5. proud
  6. high-minded
Adjective
  • Each of these decisions laid the groundwork for the war on Iran today, one that started without a clear strategy on the arrogant expectation of a quick victory.
    — Alexander Langlois, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Aug. 2026
  • The data center industry is only one face of an arrogant oligarchy that people believe now runs Congress, the courts, the White House, state legislatures and local governments.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • Does little Arabella care about going to another stuffy awards dinner with her pompous dad?
    — David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 17 July 2026
  • Among them a City boy wearing three Fit-Bit-type devices, two beautiful Middle Eastern sisters, an outrageously pompous elderly American (sorry; eavesdropping), and several Imelda Marcos lookalikes, tottering out of the treatment rooms with, somehow, their elaborate hairstyles still intact.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Definition of pompous
Adjective
  • Nate Stickney / Rumble Ponies Rojas’ necklace, derived from a joke with his little brother, is small and less ostentatious than its message.
    — Tim Britton, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Every material has been selected to age gracefully, while subtle craftsmanship and tactile finishes ensure that interiors are refined without ever feeling ostentatious.
    — Nick Scott, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of ostentatious
Adjective
  • The city is grandiose enough that there are even ways for filmmakers to put their own spin on its more conventional sights and sounds.
    — Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Serra’s immersive event, a rapture of colors and shadows, pays fittingly grandiose tribute to an emissary of a legendary cinematic era.
    — Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of grandiose
Adjective
  • Turns out America’s enthusiasm for itself has gone into a bit of a rut—more than 80% of Americans felt proud in 2010, but only 53% feel that way today.
    — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The New York Film Festival is proud to welcome back Cinephile for our fifth year of NYFF Trivia Night events during the festival at the EBM Amphitheater!
    — Kate Erbland, IndieWire, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • Sure, high-minded series about radical inventions and space exploration fit the brand of a sleek, cool, tech company shilling prestige TV.
    — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 28 Aug. 2026
  • For this is the unintentionally funny story of what happens when utterly unhinged and high-minded hubris becomes your guiding light.
    — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of high-minded

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pretentious
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Cite this Entry

“Pretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretentious. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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