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Pretentious vs Sanctimonious - What's the difference?

pretentious | sanctimonious |

As adjectives the difference between pretentious and sanctimonious

is that pretentious is marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction while sanctimonious is making a show of being morally better than others, especially hypocritically pious.

pretentious

English

Alternative forms

*

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.
  • Their song titles are pretentious in the context of their basic lyrics.
  • Ostentatious; intended to impress others.
  • Her dress was obviously more pretentious than comfortable.

    Synonyms

    * poseur * See also

    Antonyms

    * unpretentious

    Derived terms

    * pretentiously * pretentiousness

    References

    * * *

    sanctimonious

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Making a show of being morally better than others, especially hypocritically pious.
  • (archaic) Holy, devout.
  • Derived terms

    * sanctimoniously * sanctimoniousness * sanctimony