crossword puzzle clue pretentious – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com, your ultimate guide for solving challenging crossword clues! On this page, you'll find comprehensive solutions and detailed explanations for the clue "pretentious," helping you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword puzzle clue pretentious" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ORNATE: Excessively decorated or showy, often to the point of being elaborate and sometimes pretentious.
7 Letters
POMPOUS: Affectedly grand, solemn, or self-important; displaying an exaggerated sense of dignity or importance.
8 Letters
AFFECTED: Artificial, unnatural, or designed to impress; showing an affectation, often to appear more refined or sophisticated than one is.
9 Letters
GRANDIOSE: Impressive or magnificent in appearance or style, especially excessively so; characterized by an affected air of superiority or importance.
10 Letters
HOITYTOITY: Haughty, snobbish, or pretentious; acting as if one is superior or more important.
11 Letters
HIGHFALUTIN: Pompous or pretentious, especially in speech or writing; using bombastic or overly elaborate language.
More About "crossword puzzle clue pretentious"
"Pretentious" is a common and versatile clue in crosswords, often pointing to words describing exaggerated self-importance, showiness, or artificiality. Understanding the nuances of this term is key to unlocking various synonyms that fit different letter counts. Clues for "pretentious" can range from straightforward definitions to more subtle hints about someone acting above their station or something being excessively ornate.
When you encounter "pretentious" in a crossword, think about the context. Is it describing a person, an object, or a style? This can guide you towards answers like AFFECTED (for behavior), ORNATE (for objects), or POMPOUS (for personality). Pay close attention to the word length required, as this is your primary filter for potential solutions. Our list above provides the most common and relevant answers you'll encounter for this clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Tone: For "pretentious," consider if the clue has a negative, neutral, or slightly humorous tone. This might lead you to specific synonyms. For example, "hoity-toity" has a more informal, slightly mocking tone than "grandiose."
- Check Intersecting Letters: Always use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. This is the most reliable way to narrow down the possible answers, especially when multiple words fit the general definition of "pretentious."
- Consider Less Common Synonyms: Sometimes, puzzles use less common or older synonyms to challenge solvers. Words like "HIGHFALUTIN" or "HOITYTOITY" might appear, so be open to expanding your vocabulary beyond the most obvious choices.
- Think of Opposite Meanings: Occasionally, a clue might involve antonyms or wordplay related to "pretentious," such as "unassuming" or "modest" in a reverse sense. While not direct answers, thinking this way can sometimes spark ideas.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'pretentious' mean in a crossword context?
'Pretentious' in a crossword context typically refers to answers that imply showiness, affectation, inflated self-importance, or a desire to impress. Look for synonyms like 'pompous,' 'affected,' 'grandiose,' or words describing excessive ornamentation or complexity.
How can I find the right length for a 'pretentious' answer?
To find the right length, check the number of dashes or boxes provided in the puzzle. Cross-reference this with the common synonyms for 'pretentious' by their letter count. For example, 'AFFECTED' is 8 letters, while 'POMPOUS' is 7 letters. Always confirm with intersecting words.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for 'pretentious' clues?
While 'pretentious' itself doesn't have common crossword prefixes/suffixes for its synonyms, related concepts like 'overly' or 'falsely' might sometimes be implied in the clue, pointing to words like 'OVERWROUGHT' or 'FAUX' (when combined with other words). Always consider the full clue and any surrounding words.