pretentiously

adverb

as in pompously

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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 pretentiously What can be said about the Kalimotxo that hasn’t been pretentiously asserted by an undergraduate who just learned about it? — Jason O'Bryan, Robb Report, 11 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretentiously
  1. pompously
  2. ostentatiously
  3. impressively
  4. magnificently
Adverb
  • Texas is taking it to a new level, pompously trying to single-handedly keep Republican control of the House after the 2026 midterms.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 7 Aug. 2025
Definition of pompously
Adverb
  • Bryan Fuller’s expressionistic procedural is ostentatiously gruesome, yes, but the increasingly disturbing interplay between Will and Hannibal — cat and mouse, will-they/won’t they — is a full course meal on its own.
    — Matt Cabral, Entertainment Weekly, 10 Apr. 2026
  • In her closet were seven Ungaros, three Rykiels, a Kamali bathing suit and a Kamali sleeping-bag coat, five Kenzo dresses, two pieces from the Ballets Russes collection of Saint Laurent—all of which were trades or payments in kind, none of them mothballed, but instead worn ostentatiously and often.
    — Han Ong, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
Definition of ostentatiously
Adverb
  • The American Idol winner sang the track as it was originally sung in the series, including the Korean lyrics, as many fans remarked on how impressively high Clarkson sang.
    — Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Solarize the Soil Ragweed seeds are impressively long-lived and can stay viable in the soil for 20 years or more.
    — Lauren Landers, The Spruce, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of impressively
Adverb
  • Eric O’Neill Retirement planning is one way to keep more of your money, and protecting yourself from financial fraud is another important topic, which Spies, Lies and Cybercrime covers magnificently.
    — Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • On my itinerary, for example, there were five shows in five venues, each more magnificently appointed than the last.
    — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026
Definition of magnificently

Browse Nearby Words

pretentious
pretentiously
pretentiousness
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Cite this Entry

“Pretentiously.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretentiously. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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