pretentious
characterized by assumption of dignity or importance, especially when exaggerated or undeserved: a pretentious, self-important waiter.
making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.
full of pretense or pretension; having no factual basis; false.
Origin of pretentious
1synonym study For pretentious
Other words for pretentious
Other words from pretentious
- pre·ten·tious·ly, adverb
- pre·ten·tious·ness, noun
Words that may be confused with pretentious
- portentous, pretentious
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use pretentious in a sentence
Conquering 2021 may seem like an overly pretentious plan, especially for an immigrant who is just beginning to take his own steps in this great country.
2021 is the year to dream big | Michael K. Lavers and Yariel Valdés González | December 31, 2020 | Washington BladeMoreover, Trebek’s performance didn’t just lack pretension, it was anti-pretentious.
Remembering Alex Trebek, The Man With All The Answers | Oliver Roeder | November 9, 2020 | FiveThirtyEightHouse, M.D., was a series from the get go, so no worries about pretentiousness.
‘House, M.D.’ Series Finale: Almost Like Saying Goodbye to a Friend | Malcolm Jones | May 21, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTThe infamous cable about the pretentiousness, quirks, and unpredictability of Muammar Gaddafi is but one example.
The rooms were just ordinary hotel rooms, furnished with the dingy, wholesale pretentiousness of hotels of the second rate.
Children of the Whirlwind | Leroy Scott
It was a dwelling place of unusual pretentiousness for that land of "Do-without," where inexorable meagerness is the rule of life.
A Pagan of the Hills | Charles Neville BuckEven leaving aside the discomforts which are always allied to pretentiousness, the poor rich woman has a hard time of it.
Town Life in Australia | R. E. N. (Richard) TwopenySome human vanity the north tower of Chartres displays, but no arrogant pride, no Renaissance pretentiousness.
How France Built Her Cathedrals | Elizabeth Boyle O'ReillyWhether Meredith himself was more ashamed of their tailoring or their pretentiousness it is not easy to decide.
The Art of Letters | Robert Lynd
British Dictionary definitions for pretentious
/ (prɪˈtɛnʃəs) /
making claim to distinction or importance, esp undeservedly
having or creating a deceptive outer appearance of great worth; ostentatious
Derived forms of pretentious
- pretentiously, adverb
- pretentiousness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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