pretense

nounfalsehood, affected show; cover

Synonyms for pretense

noun falsehood, affected show; cover

Antonyms for pretense

affectation

noun. pretended behavior to make an impression

Word Origin & History

also pretence, early 15c., "the putting forth of a claim," from Anglo-French pretensse, Middle French pretensse (Modern French prétense), from Medieval Latin noun use of fem. of Late Latin praetensus, altered from Latin praetentus, past participle of praetendere (see pretend). Meaning "false or hypocritical profession" is from 1540s.

Example Sentences for pretense

She had been convicted of blackmail, and she made no pretense even of innocence.

Ben pretended to be vexed with Dick and Tom, but it was only pretense.

“Tell us some more about Big Brother Bill,” she said, with the pretense of a sigh.

Hastily he threw on the packs, making no pretense at neat packing.

That cannot be simulated; the pretense of it is in general, in the long run, futile.

But I realized, only too well, that the indifference which had once been real was now only pretense.

She had an uncanny faculty of seeing through his every pretense.

"Come in, sir," said he, with a pretense of great deference.

Even if he does not, he no doubt makes the pretense, and she believes him.

Within a year or so he would not even have the pretense at a business.

pretense

Synonyms for pretense

Antonyms for pretense

acting

affectation

affectedness

airs

bluff

pretense

Synonyms .css-1u0ksf7{color:#d9d9d9;}for pretense

Antonyms for pretense

More words related to pretense

.css-1unrqcp{color:inherit;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}act

acting

affectation

affectedness

airs

bluff

Synonyms for pretense

act