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