pretense

noun

ˈprē-ˌten(t)s How to pronounce pretense (audio)
variants or pretence
Definition of pretensenext
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

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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

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3
as in right
an entitlement to something this book on gardening makes no pretense at completeness

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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

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pretense Tom’s frugality also lured Nancy into the business on the pretense of spending more time together. — Tim Graham, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2026 Conference expansion has shattered pretenses to regional coherence. — Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026 Cinematic pretense and the kinds political leaders and media personalities use to sell ideas are often one and the same. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 14 Sep. 2026 Sam and all the other players convulse in hysterics at the pretense that Vic is technically still behind at least some of the rope. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pretense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretense
  1. affectation
  2. facade
  3. right
  4. arrogance
  5. pretension
  6. guise
  7. claim
  8. superiority
Noun
  • But, even then, American socialists walked a fine line—they were considered too radical for the mainstream and a mere bourgeois affectation by committed class revolutionaries.
    — Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
  • With rare exceptions, EV sound is little more than an affectation.
    — Byron Hurd, The Drive, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of affectation
Noun
  • Its glassy face leans into a zigzag pattern across its facades and from some angles looks like a retro video game.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Nov. 2026
  • The hashtag #saltbae, in gold vinyl, is the largest text on Saarinen’s facade.
    — Alec Mapes-Frances, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of facade
Noun
  • Research on whether current or future AI systems could develop consciousness may further bolster the nascent AI rights movement.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2026
  • In the string of cases, Elias Law Group represented various voting rights groups and nonprofit organizations, rather than the states themselves, though the firm’s intervention strategy has helped the legal opposition.
    — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of right
Noun
  • But the Workers’ Party (PT) leader, who was accused of arrogance and of failing to understand the needs of young gig-economy workers, shook up his strategy, said Igor Gielow in Folha de São Paulo.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 31 Oct. 2026
  • McVay and Snead have effectively built a culture of arrogance.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of arrogance
Noun
  • The author behind the singular Elizabeth Zott returns with ‘Peck & Peck,’ a sharp, charming satire on the pretensions and perils of literary gatekeepers.
    — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Despite the proximity to downtown and guest rooms brimming with the latest and greatest technology, there’s zero pretension here.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of pretension
Noun
  • The guise of a youthful flush In those early episodes, Cathy’s makeup had to mirror her hair’s equally nonthreatening appearance, so a fresh, skin-first look was important.
    — Katie Gunderman, Allure, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Under his guise of Guy With a Movie Camera, he’s been hired by studios and streamers to help promote their projects with his particular brand of BTS content.
    — Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of guise
Noun
  • Trump has made false claims about voting fraud, such as insisting noncitizens are casting ballots en masse.
    — Jill Colvin, Chicago Tribune, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The former San Francisco supervisor wants to pursue legislation to prevent insurance companies from raising the rates or dropping the coverage of a policyholder who files a claim.
    — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of claim
Noun
  • Instead, Taiwan has been crucial to maintaining the United States’ technological superiority.
    — LIN CHIA-LUNG, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Together, the developments point to a broader role for the aircraft beyond conventional air-superiority missions, reflecting China’s efforts to integrate stealth fighters into increasingly networked combat operations, reports the Global Times.
    — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of superiority

Phrases Containing pretense

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pretends
pretense
pretenses
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Cite this Entry

“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretense. Accessed 7 Nov. 2026.

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