pretense
noun
pre·tense
ˈprē-ˌten(t)s 
pri-ˈten(t)s
variants
or pretence
1
: a claim made or implied
especially
: one not supported by fact
2
a
: mere ostentation : pretentiousness
confuse dignity with pomposity and pretense—
Bennett Cerf
Bennett Cerf
b
: a pretentious act or assertion
3
: an inadequate or insincere attempt to attain a certain condition or quality
4
: professed rather than real intention or purpose : pretext
was there under false pretenses
5
6
: false show : simulation
saw through his pretense of indifference
Synonyms
Examples of pretense in a Sentence
We tried to keep up the pretense that everything was fine.
Their indifference is merely pretense.
Recent Examples on the Web
Electronic surveillance itself doesn’t make The Conversation a political film; Caul’s paranoia comes from his apolitical pretense.
—Armond White, National Review, 16 Aug. 2024
But in his youth lies the reason for anonymity and pretense, Hoback claims.
—Joel Khalili, WIRED, 22 Oct. 2024
Liberals, apparently, got up close to voters under the pretense of handing out food and water.
—Antonia Hitchens, The New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2024
This way, customers get a sense of certainty that they haven't been misled to buy something under false or semi-true marketing pretenses or subjective recommendations.
—Gev Balyan, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pretense 
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Armond White, National Review, 16 Aug. 2024
But in his youth lies the reason for anonymity and pretense, Hoback claims.
—Joel Khalili, WIRED, 22 Oct. 2024
Liberals, apparently, got up close to voters under the pretense of handing out food and water.
—Antonia Hitchens, The New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2024
This way, customers get a sense of certainty that they haven't been misled to buy something under false or semi-true marketing pretenses or subjective recommendations.
—Gev Balyan, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pretense
Dictionary Entries Near pretense
Cite this Entry
“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretense. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pretense
noun
pre·tense
variants
or pretence
1
: a claim usually not supported by facts
2
: the quality or state of being pretentious
free from pretense
3
: an effort to reach a certain condition or quality
let's have some pretense of order around here
the book makes no pretense at completeness
4
: a pretended purpose
was there under false pretenses
5
: a false show : simulation
a pretense of indifference
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