What is another word for pretension?

Pronunciation: [pɹɪtˈɛnʃən] (IPA)

Pretension is a word that often refers to a claim or a show of superiority or importance that is not based on fact. There are many synonyms for pretension that can help describe this quality in different ways. Some synonyms that convey a similar meaning to pretension include affectation, arrogance, haughtiness, pomposity, or snobbery. These words can be used to describe someone who is being overly arrogant and assuming an air of superiority that they cannot back up with actual achievement or merit. Other synonyms for pretension that imply a similar level of insincerity or falseness include superficiality, ostentation, showiness, or grandiosity. These words often refer to an exaggerated or false display of wealth or status.

Synonyms for Pretension:

What are the paraphrases for Pretension?

Paraphrases are restatements of text or speech using different words and phrasing to convey the same meaning.
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What are the hypernyms for Pretension?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the hyponyms for Pretension?

Hyponyms are more specific words categorized under a broader term, known as a hypernym.
  • hyponyms for pretension (as nouns)

What are the opposite words for pretension?

Pretension, a term that denotes a false claim or ambition, has antonyms that include modesty, humility, and sincerity. While pretension entails self-promotion and an exaggerated sense of self-importance, modesty acknowledges one's limitations and virtues without bragging or pretending. Similarly, humility recognizes that everyone is equal and respects other's achievements and qualities. Sincerity is another antonym of pretension as it emphasizes honesty, truthfulness, and transparency in speech and action. Unlike pretension, which often camouflages the real motives and intentions, sincerity always puts forward the genuine expression and feelings. Antonyms of pretension highlight the values of integrity, straightforwardness, and respectful regard for self and others.

Usage examples for Pretension

This may appear foolish, full of pretension, and ingratitude.
"The Dead Lake and Other Tales"
Paul Heyse
"I said quite right," replied Hilton, sternly; "every pretension on my part was at an end before the night of that unfortunate party."
"One Maid's Mischief"
George Manville Fenn
On the day when Edgar and Zino are sent to the Lipinskis' to observe Stella and Monsieur Cabouat, the artistic element is represented by a pianist of much pretension and with his fingers stuck into india-rubber thimbles, and besides by Signor della Seggiola.
"Erlach Court"
Ossip Schubin

Famous quotes with Pretension

  • Science makes no pretension to eternal truth or absolute truth.
    E. T. Bell
  • In every commercial state, notwithstanding any pretension to equal rights, the exaltation of a few must depress the many.
    Adam Ferguson
  • Any sort of pretension induces mediocrity in art and life alike.
    Margot Fonteyn
  • Great artists are people who find the way to be themselves in their art. Any sort of pretension induces mediocrity in art and life alike.
    Margot Fonteyn
  • In economics, hope and faith coexist with great scientific pretension and also a deep desire for respectability.
    John Kenneth Galbraith

Related words: pretentiousness, heavy handed, verbose, ostentatious, overwritten, pretentiousness in literature, impressionism, post-impressionism

Related question:

  • is pretension a good thing?
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