variants
or pretence
1
as in affectation
the quality or state of appearing or trying to appear more important or more valuable than is the case
she seemed to be a very down-to-earth woman who was completely free of pretense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in facade
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive
her display of bravado was just a pretense
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in right
an entitlement to something
this book on gardening makes no pretense at completeness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in arrogance
an exaggerated sense of one's importance that shows itself in the making of excessive or unjustified claims
the pretense of that woman in thinking that the other hotel guests should be inconvenienced just for her
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of pretense
Marks was also charged with obtaining property under false pretenses and misdemeanor larceny.
—
Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
Butts is charged with one count of false pretenses ($100,000 or more), three counts of false pretenses ($50,000 or more but less than $100,000), two counts of false pretenses ($20,000 or more but less than $50,000), 12 counts of identity theft, and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime.
—Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Trump has been warning of a takeover of Cuba, feeding anxiety among Democratic lawmakers who are fearful that negotiations with Havana are a pretense for an invasion.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Authorities said the gun had been purchased under false pretenses in Indiana.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Charlotte Observer, 6 May 2026
Butts is charged with one count of false pretenses ($100,000 or more), three counts of false pretenses ($50,000 or more but less than $100,000), two counts of false pretenses ($20,000 or more but less than $50,000), 12 counts of identity theft, and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime.
—Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026
Trump has been warning of a takeover of Cuba, feeding anxiety among Democratic lawmakers who are fearful that negotiations with Havana are a pretense for an invasion.
—Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
Authorities said the gun had been purchased under false pretenses in Indiana.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretense
Noun
-
The elder Taylor exuded the easy-going charm of a music legend who is free of any airs or affectations.—
George Varga,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Slumming with her sister in San Francisco after her life with her Madoff-like ex in New York implodes, Jasmine Francis isn't quite willing to let go of the affectations that come with living in high society.—
Darren Franich,
Entertainment Weekly,
15 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Stay in a Former Warehouse Meantime, Gibson’s Warehouse is a boutique property with a history of its own, and one that dates to the early 1900s when this inn got its start as a warehouse with a brick façade.—
Erin Gifford,
Southern Living,
13 May 2026
-
This dual-purpose envelope combines functionality with expressive design, creating a facade that is both energy efficient and visually striking.—
Adam Williams
May 13,
New Atlas,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
For schoolteachers, this is worse than whiplash, because there’s a crucial difference between the American-history-is-all-bad or -all-good preferences of the left or the right.—
Jill Lepore,
New Yorker,
12 May 2026
-
The Supreme Court has long held that the right of parents to direct the upbringing and education of their children is among the oldest and most fundamental liberty interests protected by the Constitution.—
James R Mason,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
In the book, Caputo’s initial pride and arrogance soon give way to a more contemplative spirit, followed by degeneration.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
8 May 2026
-
That’s where arrogance becomes a liability.—
Linh Tat,
Oc Register,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
This idyllic stretch of western New Jersey is dotted with postcard-pretty towns that blend Americana charm with elevated local eats, funky cultural gems, and a refreshing lack of pretension.—
Hannah Howard,
Travel + Leisure,
12 May 2026
-
The place, a rental, is furnished without pretension—cushy sectional, vintage Tabasco poster, board games.—
Anna Wiener,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
Closing loopholes that allowed sometimes large apartment buildings in backyards under the guise of accessory dwelling units.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
15 May 2026
-
Ménochet is a scary wonder as Marc, a great bear of a man who is chillingly adept at hiding his rage and possessiveness under the guise of a gentle, enlightened ascetic.—
Richard Lawson,
HollywoodReporter,
15 May 2026
Noun
-
Those arguments will also weigh a claim from the ACLU that the map includes a crucial error that placed more than 870 Kansas City residents in two separate districts at the same time.—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
10 May 2026
-
Russia dismisses such claims as nonsense.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
10 May 2026
Noun
-
Protecting the sense of superiority of white passengers was the top priority.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 May 2026
-
If the industry collapses, no individual company’s superiority matters.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
7 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretense. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
