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.

Edmund is said to be brilliant but we mostly get evidence of his pretensions and “annoying air of lazy authority.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 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

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

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