Need another word for Pretentious? Use these synonyms of Pretentious from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
affected
artificial
assumed
bogus
conceited
counterfeit
fake
feigned
forced
fraudulent
hypocritical
insincere
mannered
overblown
pedantic
pompous
self-important
showy
snobbish
spurious
superficial
unreal
pretentious
pretentious
vainglorious
arrogant
boastful
complacent
egotistical
grandiose
haughty
high-handed
highfalutin
hoity-toity
inflated
lofty
ostentatious
overweening
patronizing
peremptory
pompous
prideful
self-aggrandizing
self-assured
self-conceited
superior
supercilious
uppity
Meaning of Pretentious
having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's own importance or ability
Definitions
- Giving an impression of being more important or clever than is really the case
- * Having or showing an excessively high opinion of one's own importance or ability
Etymology of Pretentious
The word "pretentious" has its roots in the Latin "pretendere," which means to stretch out or to claim, and the suffix "-ous," which forms an adjective
The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe something that is falsely or deceptively claimed
Example Uses
- The actor's pretentious performance was met with criticism from the audience
- * The professor's pretentious language made it difficult for the students to understand the material
- * The restaurant's pretentious menu featured dishes with overly complicated names
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
humble
modest
unassuming
unpretentious
genuine
sincere
authentic
natural
unaffected
down-to-earth
straightforward
simple
unostentatious
low-key
restrained
subdued
understated
retiring
diffident
self-effacing
unambitious
unassertive
meek
mild
gentle