make a pretense

phrase

as in pretend
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 make a pretense
make a show
Phrase
  • But over the past several weeks, politicians and tech executives have started to make a show of more seriously preparing the country for a future of AI layoffs.
    — Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026
  • Great casting can make a show that much more revealing, and the guys walking it can help sell the fantasy on offer.
    — Max Berlinger, Vogue, 3 July 2026
Definition of make 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

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

“Make a pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/make%20a%20pretense. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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