pretense

noun

pre·​tense ˈprē-ˌten(t)s How to pronounce pretense (audio)
pri-ˈten(t)s
variants or pretence
1
: a claim made or implied
especially : one not supported by fact
2
a
: mere ostentation : pretentiousness
confuse dignity with pomposity and pretenseBennett Cerf
b
: a pretentious act or assertion
3
: an inadequate or insincere attempt to attain a certain condition or quality
4
: professed rather than real intention or purpose : pretext
was there under false pretenses
5
6
: false show : simulation
saw through his pretense of indifference

Examples of pretense in a Sentence

We tried to keep up the pretense that everything was fine. Their indifference is merely pretense.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Although algorithmic favoritism had long been suspected across platforms, Musk’s unapologetic approach dispensed with the pretense of neutrality that tech companies had carefully maintained. Jackie Snow, Quartz, 14 Apr. 2025 Black and brown Californians angered at attempts to erase history, legacy and achievement under pretense of eliminating diversity and equity initiatives. Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2025 Democrats say that Republicans are using claims of fraud at the Social Security Administration (SSA) as a pretense for scrutiny and cuts. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 Moore befriended Shakespeare in 2008 under the pretense of writing a book about him, but the project never materialized. Nicole Acosta, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pretense

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "assertion of a legal right, claim, reason, basis, feigning," borrowed from Anglo-French pretence, pretens "assertion of one's right," probably borrowed from Medieval Latin praetensē or praetensō "by way of assertion or allegation, allegedly, fictitiously," respectively adverbial derivative and masculine/neuter ablative singular of praetensus, praetentus "pretended, alleged," past participle of Latin praetendere "to hold or stretch out, put forward as a pretext" — more at pretend entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pretense was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretense. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

pretense

noun
pre·​tense
variants or pretence
1
: a claim usually not supported by facts
2
: the quality or state of being pretentious
free from pretense
3
: an effort to reach a certain condition or quality
let's have some pretense of order around here
the book makes no pretense at completeness
4
: a pretended purpose
was there under false pretenses
5
: a false show : simulation
a pretense of indifference

More from Merriam-Webster on pretense

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