pretense

noun

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pre·tense | \ ˈprē-ˌten(t)s

, pri-ˈten(t)s \

variants: or pretence

Definition of pretense

1 : a claim made or implied especially : one not supported by fact

2a : mere ostentation : pretentiousness confuse dignity with pomposity and pretense— Bennett 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 : make-believe, fiction

6 : false show : simulation saw through his pretense of indifference

Synonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing pretense Learn More About pretense

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 On or off camera, Zelensky conducts himself with a deliberate lack of pretense. — Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 15 Apr. 2022 Again, there’s no pretense of knowledge here to make a statement either way. — John Tamny, Forbes, 13 Apr. 2022 Any pretense of a corporate response is just for show, and everyone seems to understand that except for Shiv. — Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2021 Uphold fulfilling and genuine relationships, and reject those cultivated through false pretense and that beget toxicity. — Sara Ratner, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2022 From the time before the Olympic movement was stripped of pretense. — Ann Killion, San Francisco Chronicle, 3 Feb. 2022 Everett’s performance is tamped down here relative to what those familiar with her act may expect, but her rejection of pretense remains. — Daniel D'addario, Variety, 7 Jan. 2022 Why not just get rid of all the pretense and go full bore into fortune telling with astrology? — Lawrence Carrel, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2021 But now, as the Russian military unleashes the full force of its arsenal throughout the country, any pretense of normalcy has been ripped away. — Mark Neville, The New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pretense.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.