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
Reports suggest that in some cases, the prisoners are still alive when their organs are removed, and some of them may be imprisoned merely as a pretense to securing their organs.
—
Cory Franklin, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025
The goal is to alarm you into calling a scammer's fake support number under the pretense of disputing a fraudulent PayPal transaction.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
But at least those entities are populated by people who are curious about art and culture—these OFFLINE events have no such pretense.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025
Gregory and Gerner were arrested and charged with felony counts of injury to an energy facility and felony counts of obtaining property by false pretense, deputies said.
—Paloma Chavez, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Cory Franklin, Twin Cities, 28 Sep. 2025
The goal is to alarm you into calling a scammer's fake support number under the pretense of disputing a fraudulent PayPal transaction.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025
But at least those entities are populated by people who are curious about art and culture—these OFFLINE events have no such pretense.
—Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 24 Sep. 2025
Gregory and Gerner were arrested and charged with felony counts of injury to an energy facility and felony counts of obtaining property by false pretense, deputies said.
—Paloma Chavez, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretense
Noun
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But Lloyd’s awkward staging here and questionable affectations (including an audience clap-along) makes Pozzo’s relationship with Lucky unfocused and puzzling.—
Frank Rizzo,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
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The band sets aside the winks and retro affectations for something unadorned and honest.—
Sarah Grant,
Rolling Stone,
19 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The show will be available to stream with a regular Hulu subscription Sunday, the day after a new episode airs.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
3 Oct. 2025
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Breakthrough Women in Science & Medicine is streaming online and airs on PBS.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Republicans argue Democrats want to fund health care for immigrants in the country illegally, a claim Democrats deny.—
Todd Spangler,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The plan also contradicts the Prime Minister’s frequent claims that the Palestinian Authority will have no role in a postwar Gaza.—
Ruth Margalit,
New Yorker,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The series follows the fictional Holliday, a former star whose arrogance burned every bridge.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
30 Sep. 2025
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Blenkin told Variety in September 2025 that his character's laughter comes from arrogance.—
Christopher Rudolph,
PEOPLE,
24 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But she is best remembered for Keeping Up Appearances and her role as Hyacinth Bucket, a working-class woman with pretensions of social superiority.—
Ryan Schwartz,
TVLine,
3 Oct. 2025
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There's no pretension here: San Pancho's beach is dotted with boutique hotels and homes for rent and an array of restaurants, mostly of the no-frills and unassuming variety.—
Carley Rojas Avila,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The act requires virtual currency kiosk operators to register with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, provide reports detailing all kiosk locations, and provide full refunds to new customers who are victims of scams at kiosks.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
4 Oct. 2025
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Victims should document evidence, prioritize safety and report incidents promptly, even if unsure whether the act constitutes a crime, officials said.—
Nour Rahal,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
Noun
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But those cameras don’t fit in your pocket, which is why the iPhone has long been, and continues to be, the best camera for anyone who wants to move light, fast, and far—and the updates to the sensors reinforce its superiority.—
Jakob Schiller,
Outside,
23 Sep. 2025
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With over 600 DEXs now operating according to Grvt’s estimates, pure technological superiority or lower fees no longer guarantee success.—
Boaz Sobrado,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The show was marred only by an audio mix that dimmed Coleman’s evocative voice amid a wash of instruments — at least from this reviewer’s spot in the Fox — but the Red Clay Strays’ impact shone through nevertheless.—
Brian McCollum,
Freep.com,
5 Oct. 2025
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The show gave local independent musicians exposure on its soundtrack, increased the popularity of venues like The Bluebird Cafe, inspired cast tours and years later, sparked reunion tours.—
Audrey Gibbs,
Nashville Tennessean,
5 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretense. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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