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pretentious

[pri-ten-shuhs] / prɪˈtɛn ʃəs /


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.

For whatever it’s worth, it may sound pretentious, but I kind of feel it’s important to try and anchor myself in some sense of purpose.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026

The 22-year-old from Fife accepts that sometimes black and white shoots can feel "pretentious and tacky", but from watching the trailer, Spider-Noir feels different.

From BBC • May 27, 2026

While the nation’s capital is filled with pretentious individuals who love to inhale their own fumes, the Oscars this ain’t.

From Salon • May 1, 2026

If I really want to sound pretentious, I’d call the Super Bowl the final fireplace of the digital era, with a live audience that dwarfs every other show in the U.S., even Bluey.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 8, 2026

Respectable people do not become painters: only overblown, pretentious, theatrical people.

From "Cat's Eye" by Margaret Atwood




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