variants
or pretence
1
as in affectation
the quality or state of appearing or trying to appear more important or more valuable than is the case
she seemed to be a very down-to-earth woman who was completely free of pretense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in facade
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive
her display of bravado was just a pretense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in right
an entitlement to something
this book on gardening makes no pretense at completeness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in arrogance
an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims
the pretense of that woman in thinking that the other hotel guests should be inconvenienced just for her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pretense
Fernando Navarro, 53, of Minneapolis, is facing four counts of felony fraud for collecting nearly $70,000 in funds from Minnesota's medical assistance program under false pretenses.
—
Riley Moser,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Parliament was self-destructively arrogant in declining the colonies any vote or even much pretense of a say.
—
Ann Manov,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
Whatever their motivation, ideological, personal panic, or a desire to capitalize on widespread fear, major media outlets almost immediately abandoned any pretense of journalism.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Dani provides the voiceover, filled with strained metaphors about earthquakes and sermons on the importance of summer, but the pretense that the dialogue is taken from his interrogation is quickly abandoned.
—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Riley Moser,
CBS News,
23 June 2026
Parliament was self-destructively arrogant in declining the colonies any vote or even much pretense of a say.
—
Ann Manov,
Harpers Magazine,
23 June 2026
Whatever their motivation, ideological, personal panic, or a desire to capitalize on widespread fear, major media outlets almost immediately abandoned any pretense of journalism.
—
Ian Miller Outkick,
FOXNews.com,
22 June 2026
Dani provides the voiceover, filled with strained metaphors about earthquakes and sermons on the importance of summer, but the pretense that the dialogue is taken from his interrogation is quickly abandoned.
—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretense
Noun
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The elder Taylor exuded the easy-going charm of a music legend who is free of any airs or affectations.
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Slumming with her sister in San Francisco after her life with her Madoff-like ex in New York implodes, Jasmine Francis isn't quite willing to let go of the affectations that come with living in high society.
Noun
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Local Law 11 façade inspections will be required every six years, instead of five, and buildings that are in good shape can perform them with drones and cameras instead of workers dangling from the roof.
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With facades facing Seventh Avenue, 498 and 500 Seventh Avenue promised a future for America’s fashion capitol and over time, helped chart the success of Norman Norell, Bill Blass, Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren, among others.
Noun
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The legal action is part of a broader series of disputes in the streaming industry over carriage rights, bundling requirements and pricing control.
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Receiving a pass right in front of the goal, Gabriel Martinelli tapped the ball with his left foot to his right and scored a goal into the far side of the net.
Noun
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Needless to say there was no second date, and, eventually though painfully, my own arrogance had some of its rough edges worn down.
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In Episode 3, Harris discussed the early arrogance of the founding fathers who made proposals for America's independence and questioned who was entitled to freedom.
Noun
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Impartial, fact-finding and without pretension, Burns turns his camera to our history in a sober-but-not-boring manner.
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To adore the literary greats but reject any modicum of pretension?
Noun
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Everything from the division of the Peaches and the Plums to Shamea’s tagline this season is a secret cry from Shamea to Porsha, begging for attention under the guise of her own emancipation.
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After examining her injury, Brito began to caress and massage Patient 1’s foot under the guise of providing care.
Noun
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Court bars asylum claims before refugees enter US Alito wrote another decision June 25 for a 6-3 majority that allowed the administration to turn back refugees at the border.
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His denials and claims about Carroll were central to her defamation allegations.
Noun
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Critics argued that the message of a White man elevated above both a Native American and an African symbolized racial superiority.
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Word about Hitler’s belief in Aryan superiority had spread far, and many observers warned of its genocidal, war-bringing ramifications.
Cite this Entry
“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretense. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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