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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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
  • These boutiques offer distinct expressions of each house, while their facades contribute to a streetscape with an individual character.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • Framed by concrete, the glass façade reflects its surroundings as well as the sky.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of facade
Noun
  • Marketed under the brand name Keytruda, pembrolizumab is considered to be something of a wonder drug in its own right, with just 30% of patients relapsing in the first two years of treatment.
    — Mike McRae October 25, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Machado left Venezuela in December for Norway to accept the Nobel Peace Prize, which she was awarded for promoting democratic rights in her country.
    — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of right
Noun
  • McVay and Snead have effectively built a culture of arrogance.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 24 Oct. 2026
  • These fascinating, illuminating episodes raise the question of whether great fiction requires the kind of single-mindedness and even arrogance that McCarthy cultivated.
    — New York Times, New York Times, 8 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
  • Bacelar disputed the accusations and said the lawsuit is filled with recycled claims that were previously litigated and dismissed.
    — Alene Tchekmedyian, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • In Frisco, Texas, opposition to Hindu temples and a mosque fueled claims of an Indian takeover, and a protester tore apart an Indian flag near City Hall.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of claim
Noun
  • Advertisement Thirdly, place names should not be used to proclaim cultural superiority, advance territorial ambitions, or assert exclusive national ownership over geographical spaces shared among different peoples.
    — Reuben Rose-Redwood, Time, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Forest had the bulk of the chances in a gritty second period but could not make its superiority count.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of superiority

Phrases Containing pretense

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pretense
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Cite this Entry

“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretense. Accessed 31 Oct. 2026.

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