pretensions

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.

“Fuze” was one of my favorite treats at last fall’s Toronto International Film Festival, although unlike many of the other films it premiered alongside, it has no pretensions of being an awards contender.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2026

In short, it was perfect for an adolescent boy of burgeoning but unformed pretensions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 5, 2026

In 1956, shortly before his death, Mencken went even further; “American journalism is predominantly paltry and worthless. Its pretensions are enormous, but its achievements are insignificant.”

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2025

The prospect of wrecking England's title pretensions, while dodging the Wooden Spoon will brew up an almighty atmosphere under the Principality roof.

From BBC • Mar. 9, 2025

The geographic location of the new capital played to these pretensions by making it the physical projection of Virginia.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis