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Showing results for pretense. Search instead for pretenses.
Definitions

pretense

[pri-tens, pree-tens] / prɪˈtɛns, ˈpri tɛns /
NOUN
falsehood, affected show; cover
Synonyms
STRONGEST
charade cloak pretext semblance veneer
STRONG
act acting affectation appearance artifice claim deceit deception display dissimulation double-dealing evasion excuse fabrication facade fakery falsification feigning gag guise insincerity invention make believe mask masquerade misrepresentation misstatement ostentation posing posturing pretentiousness routine ruse schtick sham shuffling simulation stall stunt subterfuge trickery veil wile
WEAK
dumb act faking
Antonyms
STRONGEST
reality
STRONG
frankness honesty honor openness quiet simplicity truth truthfulness uprightness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It was an uncompromising response without any pretense the administration would rely on independent investigations of the event, video of which quickly circulated online, gripping the nation.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

It is so strange to see serious people pretending to be doing serious work in this serious place, when all pretense of intellectual seriousness has fallen away.

From Slate • Dec. 17, 2025

Ironically, the situation now is a bastard version of one reform favored by free market types: paying athletes without any pretense that they are real students.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

The question then becomes: Will fans still tune into college games when there’s no pretense the players are students?

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 24, 2025

The insurance salesman dropped by the houses of various suspects, under the pretense of hawking policies.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann