made a pretense

phrase

past tense of make a pretense
as in pretended
to take on a false or deceptive appearance He didn't even make a pretense of appreciating her artwork.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for made a pretense
made a show
Phrase
  • Still, the outcry—and the lack of outspoken public support even from those federations and allies that Infantino has made a show of propping up—had unusual force and breadth.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Hegseth even made a show of taking Kid Rock on an Apache flight afterward.
    — Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 22 July 2026
Definition of made a show
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.

Browse Nearby Words

made amends (for)
made a pretense
made a scene
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Cite this Entry

“Made a pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/made%20a%20pretense. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

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