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
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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pretense
And though some words on the menu may be unfamiliar, there’s no pretense at Purslane.
—
Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Al Jazeera Arabic’s power lies in its costume, the pretence of being a legitimate, independent news outlet.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025
While there is nothing inherently cringe-worthy about enjoying Didion’s Slouching Towards Bethlehem or genuinely liking Clairo’s album, its pretense becomes more marked through the fun-house mirror of Instagram and TikTok.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
They were arraigned on Friday in Brockton District Court on one count each of larceny over $1,200 by false pretenses, embezzlement, and conspiracy.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Al Jazeera Arabic’s power lies in its costume, the pretence of being a legitimate, independent news outlet.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025
While there is nothing inherently cringe-worthy about enjoying Didion’s Slouching Towards Bethlehem or genuinely liking Clairo’s album, its pretense becomes more marked through the fun-house mirror of Instagram and TikTok.
—Brett F. Braley-Palko, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
They were arraigned on Friday in Brockton District Court on one count each of larceny over $1,200 by false pretenses, embezzlement, and conspiracy.
—Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretense
Noun
-
The scenic appeal is undeniable, nature’s majestic prose both frames and dwarfs the tumultuous affectations of the characters.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
11 Aug. 2025
-
As a director, Serio has made a name for himself with these kinds of actor-forward, hyperintimate, hyperreal stagings — Uncle Vanya in a loft — and this is a case where minimalism comes across as an affectation.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Viewers will get more context when the next episode airs Tuesday.—
David Wysong,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The Young and the Restless airs weekdays on CBS (check local listings).—
Stephanie Wenger,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Representatives for James have called the fraud claims made against her politically motivated and false.—
Robert Faturechi,
ProPublica,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Celebrity chef José Andrés recently said as much on social media in a rebuttal to Trump’s claim that the city’s restaurants are booming amid federalization.—
David Zimmermann,
The Washington Examiner,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
This arrogance is not just limited to tech titans.—
Christian Josi,
Boston Herald,
31 Aug. 2025
-
These traits do not always show up as arrogance.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
28 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Chicago Athletic Association offers an elevated members club experience without the steely pretension.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Sep. 2025
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Such pretensions on the part of the mega-rich aren’t new; Lowell reminds us of that.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
That brief three-month double act between an executive chairman and a CEO is now over.—
Jack Pitt-Brooke,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Though his interests were that of a pretty typical child — computing and gaming, playing the saxophone, enjoying soccer and time with his pets — he was also known for his acts of kindness and generosity.—
Lauren Costantino
September 6,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Timothy Olyphant, again, sells the superiority well.—
Noel Murray,
Vulture,
10 Sep. 2025
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Originally from Ohio, Howard would whisper-speak his lectures to a crowded room, describing with fatigued superiority people (including his family) who couldn’t properly appreciate Nijinsky.—
Rivka Galchen,
New Yorker,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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As fans scramble to catch the ball, footage shows, the ball appears to land one row in front of a woman while a man runs over and grabs it.—
Chandelis Duster,
NPR,
7 Sep. 2025
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Following the show's cancellation, Gosselaar landed several leading roles on series such as Pitch (2016), The Passage (2019), and Mixed-ish (2019–2021).—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretense. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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