With a negative connotation:
* His pretension to being a sophisticated art connoisseur was quickly dispelled when he mistook a Monet for a Van Gogh.
* The restaurant's elaborate menu and high prices were just pretension; the food was bland and overpriced.
* She spoke with such pretension about her travels, but it was clear she had only been to the tourist traps.
With a neutral connotation:
* His pretension to the throne was based on his lineage and his political alliances.
* The artist's pretension to originality was challenged by critics who saw similarities to previous works.
With a positive connotation:
* The opera singer's pretension to perfection was inspiring, and it pushed her to deliver a truly remarkable performance.
* The scientist's pretension to solve the complex problem was admirable, even if it proved to be too ambitious.
It's important to note that "pretension" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting an attempt to appear more important or knowledgeable than one actually is. However, it can also be used in a neutral or even positive light, depending on the context.