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 The 101 recipes are chef-smart without being pretentious or complicated. — Sheela Prakash, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 July 2026 But there’s much to like here — from the two leads, the numerous Bay Area shots (the Golden Gate Bridge should get a supporting actor credit), Nick Offerman as a pretentious, cruel chef and Lukas Gage as a clueless cretin love interest/coworker. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 24 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 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
  • Ever-sensible Elinor, who never asks for much, has already met, and fallen for, Edward Ferrars (George MacKay), Fanny’s brother, as kind and modest as Fanny is arrogant.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Hal and Kate, having misread Trowbridge’s shock and dismay at the tragic death of Austin Dennison as a worse-than-usual bit of arrogant posturing, switch to Bad Cop mode.
    — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of arrogant
Adjective
  • Instead, just enjoy the whacking of the pompous, the powerful and parents — that’s what Stone and Parker do.
    — Dominic Patten, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026
  • Symptoms include baby fever, exacerbated by the pregnancy announcement of her sister Macy (Zosia Mamet), and an intolerance to her pompous, long-term but non-committal boyfriend Spencer (Finn Wittrock).
    — Katie Walsh, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026
Definition of pompous
Adjective
  • Even in a nation known for ostentatious displays of baseball obsession, the ensuing theatrics went viral.
    — Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The structures, made of raw concrete, exuded an ostentatious form of modesty, emblematic of the town’s character.
    — Afra Wang, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of ostentatious
Adjective
  • Especially the theatre world with its prejudiced, grandiose characters.
    — Marta Balaga, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026
  • On a blistering surprise EP, Deafheaven find the vicious attack and grandiose drama of symphonic black metal perfectly suited to their purposes.
    — Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of grandiose
Adjective
  • The locker real estate in the team’s second arena was something the proud parent didn’t even consider as part of his son’s Heat takeover.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Musk’s forthright, crusty dad Errol sounds almost proud that something was bullied out of his son, but the movie avoids filling out that traumatic childhood.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of proud
Adjective
  • Memoirs proceeds from there with that simultaneous posture of high-minded openness and a childish giggle.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026
  • 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
Definition of high-minded

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pretensions
pretentious
pretentiously
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Cite this Entry

“Pretentious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretentious. Accessed 22 Oct. 2026.

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