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
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Recent Examples of pretense
Dani provides the voiceover, filled with strained metaphors about earthquakes and sermons on the importance of summer, but the pretense that the dialogue is taken from his interrogation is quickly abandoned.
—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
19 June 2026
However, according to Ryan, Hernandez was a fraud, allegedly seeking money under false pretenses.
—
Allison Degrushe,
StyleCaster,
18 June 2026
Serious illness has a way of stripping away pretense.
—
Khushali Jhaveri,
STAT,
17 June 2026
The scene sounds almost cinematic, but Jen describes it without any airs or pretense.
—
Julie Jordan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Alison Herman,
Variety,
19 June 2026
However, according to Ryan, Hernandez was a fraud, allegedly seeking money under false pretenses.
—
Allison Degrushe,
StyleCaster,
18 June 2026
Serious illness has a way of stripping away pretense.
—
Khushali Jhaveri,
STAT,
17 June 2026
The scene sounds almost cinematic, but Jen describes it without any airs or pretense.
—
Julie Jordan,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretense
Noun
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The elder Taylor exuded the easy-going charm of a music legend who is free of any airs or affectations.
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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.
Noun
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Local Law 11 façade inspections will be required every six years, instead of five, and buildings that are in good shape can perform them with drones and cameras instead of workers dangling from the roof.
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With facades facing Seventh Avenue, 498 and 500 Seventh Avenue promised a future for America’s fashion capitol and over time, helped chart the success of Norman Norell, Bill Blass, Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren, among others.
Noun
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His far-right allies are openly advocating for a more permanent presence and continued operations.
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What specifically might these legal rights and protections look like?
Noun
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Aerion Targaryen Aerion Targaryen (Finn Bennett), also known as Aerion Brightflame, is a volatile and cruel Targaryen prince infamous for his arrogance and violent behavior.
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Why does confidence read as passion for a white athlete, but as arrogance for a Black one?
Noun
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The British journalist Malcolm Muggeridge, who converted to Christianity late in his life, pointed out that Jesus’s entire ministry was directed against the pretensions of earthly power.
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Adley and his team make great tasting plates first and foremost, but some of the items, like the unmissable chicken wings stuffed with boudin blanc and romesco, act as a cheeky affront to haute cuisine’s pretensions and conventions.
Noun
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The business owners argue that they’ve been denied leases in Westport for racially discriminatory reasons under the guise of improving public safety.
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Footballing success, in differing guises, came a long time ago.
Noun
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The motion does not address the core negligence and wrongful death claims stemming from the crash itself but seeks to dismiss claims related to emergency dispatch and allegations Riverside County officials failed to protect the victims after the collision.
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One of Hart’s notes centered on Smith’s claim that Villanova’s 2016 national championship roster lacked NBA-caliber prospects.
Noun
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Critics argued that the message of a White man elevated above both a Native American and an African symbolized racial superiority.
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Word about Hitler’s belief in Aryan superiority had spread far, and many observers warned of its genocidal, war-bringing ramifications.
Cite this Entry
“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretense. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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