pretentious
Americanadjective
-
characterized by assumption of dignity or importance, especially when exaggerated or undeserved.
a pretentious, self-important waiter.
- Synonyms:
- pompous
-
making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.
- Synonyms:
- showy
-
full of pretense or pretension; having no factual basis; false.
adjective
-
making claim to distinction or importance, esp undeservedly
-
having or creating a deceptive outer appearance of great worth; ostentatious
Synonym Usage
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of pretentious
First recorded in 1835–45; earlier pretensious; equivalent to pretense + -ious
Explanation
Use the adjective pretentious as a way to criticize people who try to act like they are more important or knowledgeable than they really are. You might not be surprised to learn that pretentious is related to the word pretend, and it is an adjective that fits the bill for describing someone who's only concerned with making an impressive appearance. If you don't want to be accused of being pretentious, just act naturally and don't put on airs!
Vocabulary lists containing pretentious
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“It’s a lot less pretentious — more diverse, more access for all different types of people,” says Ingram, who noticed a shift in golfing culture in recent years.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2026
For whatever it’s worth, it may sound pretentious, but I kind of feel it’s important to try and anchor myself in some sense of purpose.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
The 22-year-old from Fife accepts that sometimes black and white shoots can feel "pretentious and tacky", but from watching the trailer, Spider-Noir feels different.
From BBC • May 27, 2026
If I really want to sound pretentious, I’d call the Super Bowl the final fireplace of the digital era, with a live audience that dwarfs every other show in the U.S., even Bluey.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026
She had dismissed him years ago as a smooth and pretentious sleekness.
From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
