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.

And directors Bailey and Barbato seem intent on casting Louisville as a place of poseurs and pretensions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 17, 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

Not for the locals either, who distance themselves from the city's pretensions by describing themselves as Massicois, rather than Parisians.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2025

It’s a superficial film about a superficial world and, like its protagonist, it’s got no pretensions of anything more.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 19, 2024

“Why pretensions? Do you think I could not become an artist?”

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin