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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in airs
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 claim
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
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Recent Examples of pretense
Yes, the soccer game was merely a pretense for a get-together.
—
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025
The film, which also pays tribute to Hollywood classics of yesteryear, offers an exploration of social pretense and performance in the real world.
—Ed Meza, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
Although algorithmic favoritism had long been suspected across platforms, Musk’s unapologetic approach dispensed with the pretense of neutrality that tech companies had carefully maintained.
—Jackie Snow, Quartz, 14 Apr. 2025
Black and brown Californians angered at attempts to erase history, legacy and achievement under pretense of eliminating diversity and equity initiatives.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 24 Mar. 2025
The film, which also pays tribute to Hollywood classics of yesteryear, offers an exploration of social pretense and performance in the real world.
—Ed Meza, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025
Although algorithmic favoritism had long been suspected across platforms, Musk’s unapologetic approach dispensed with the pretense of neutrality that tech companies had carefully maintained.
—Jackie Snow, Quartz, 14 Apr. 2025
Black and brown Californians angered at attempts to erase history, legacy and achievement under pretense of eliminating diversity and equity initiatives.
—Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 5 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretense
Noun
-
No fussy affectations, just a deliberate tamping down of his more charismatic qualities.—
A.A. Dowd,
Rolling Stone,
25 Apr. 2025
-
Ivy-as-Marilyn is an inconsiderate, amphetamine guzzling faux-intellectual whose devotion to the acting craft is presented as a vainglorious affectation.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
So the claim that teachers resist different approaches to school choice does not reflect this more nuanced reality.—
Bruno V. Manno,
Forbes.com,
18 May 2025
-
But Journalism staked his claim for 3-year-old horse of the year by winning the $2 million American classic race run at the old Pimlico Race Course for the last time before it’s torn down and rebuilt.—
Fiifi Frimpong,
New York Daily News,
18 May 2025
Noun
-
The Knicks have pulled it off by being resilient, near perfect in spurts and with the help of arrogance from the opponent.—
James L. Edwards III,
New York Times,
15 May 2025
-
Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way.—
Jeannie Suk Gersen,
New Yorker,
15 May 2025
Noun
-
Boasting fresh sea air, healing waters and inspiring natural light, this area of the country offers a unique opportunity to experience luxury the Danish way: without pretension, surrounded by nature and the highest quality art, food and design.—
Lois Alter Mark,
Forbes.com,
9 May 2025
-
The man who once mocked piety had become a moral touchstone; the scold of American pretensions now dined with tycoons.—
Lauren Michele Jackson,
New Yorker,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
In this eerie tale about fear, lust, and female empowerment, the real question becomes whether this is an act of witchcraft—or a witch hunt.—
Shannon Carlin,
Time,
22 May 2025
-
The shooting comes as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally and as antisemitic acts are on the rise.—
Maya Sweedler,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
During an interview with Josh Martinez of Z100 on Superstar Crossover, Ospreay stated AEW's superiority in the current wrestling landscape.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 May 2025
-
And they’ve been romanticized for nearly as long by foreign travelers who see an espresso bar and long counter full of hot foods, panini, and piles of prosciutto as a sign of culinary superiority.—
Lindsey Tramuta,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
7 May 2025
Noun
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Golden Gate Park, which sits in the city's center and was a magnet for rock and theater performances of all kinds in the '60s, will host three shows by Dead & Company – the name given to what remains of the original band plus current guests – at the park's Polo Fields Aug. 1, 2 and 3.—
Marco della Cava,
USA Today,
22 May 2025
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Vybz Kartel has played some shows since he was released from prison last year, and he’s now announced a proper tour.—
Nina Corcoran,
Pitchfork,
21 May 2025
Noun
-
Administrators can begin by: • Auditing their systems for accessibility barriers, including the assumption that students must meet traditional admissions criteria.—
Nicole Kim,
Forbes.com,
22 May 2025
-
If those are the assumptions, then Bennett, a pending UFA, would be attractive.—
Jeremy Rutherford,
New York Times,
21 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretense. Accessed 28 May. 2025.
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