pretentious (B1)

adjective

Pronunciation: /prɪˈten.ʃəs/

Definition

Attempting to impress by affecting greater importance, talent, or culture than is actually possessed.

Examples

• The restaurant was so pretentious, with its tiny portions and exorbitant prices.

• She found his constant name-dropping and talk of exclusive clubs rather pretentious.

• The art critic dismissed the work as pretentious and lacking in genuine substance.

Synonyms of pretentious

Words with a similar meaning to pretentious:

• showy
• ostentatious
• pompous
• grandiose

Antonyms of pretentious

Words with the opposite meaning to pretentious:

• modest
• unpretentious
• humble

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