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
Nearly everyone involved in this production has secrets to hide and pretensions to put on display.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 3, 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
Nauman’s, however, is refreshingly without illusions or pretensions.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 7, 2025
She laughed at Arobin’s pretensions, and deplored Mrs. Highcamp’s ignorance.
From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin
