variants
or pretences
1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in pretensions
an entitlement to something
this book on gardening makes no pretense at completeness
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pretenses
Harold is so clearly not a great man that his pretenses feel more like cries for help.
—
Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 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
Since then, immigration raids have escalated — often under questionable pretenses.
—Sonia Banker, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
And yet, somewhere in the city, someone is being arrested and detained as an enemy of the state under dodgy pretenses.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2025
Personas are pretenses, so keep a clear head accordingly.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
This may seem to be an inadequate and weak response to a president and governor who are seizing control on false pretenses.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025
Jeremy Gordon, The Atlantic, 12 Sep. 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
Since then, immigration raids have escalated — often under questionable pretenses.
—Sonia Banker, Sun Sentinel, 18 Aug. 2025
And yet, somewhere in the city, someone is being arrested and detained as an enemy of the state under dodgy pretenses.
—David Fear, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2025
Personas are pretenses, so keep a clear head accordingly.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2025
This may seem to be an inadequate and weak response to a president and governor who are seizing control on false pretenses.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretenses
Noun
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How to watch The Rainmaker live without cable The Rainmaker airs on USA Network, which is available to stream on services like Sling TV.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
12 Sep. 2025
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The Drew Barrymore Show airs weekdays on CBS.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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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
-
Trump is a man of many hats Immigration has become the dominant political issue in Britain, eclipsing concerns over a faltering economy, as the country faces a record number of asylum claims.—
Vitalii Yalahuzian,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
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Consensus estimates suggest that the weekly claims will revert to roughly the four-week average level this week, as the spike last week was primarily due to filings in Texas.—
Bill Stone,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The lesson is beautifully depicted in the 30-page journey illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey, who perfectly draws ballet poses, including pointe dancing.—
Leslie D. Rose,
Parents,
11 Sep. 2025
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D4vd poses with 5 Gum during Interscope and Capitol Records Coachella Party 2025 on April 12, 2025 in Palm Springs, California.—
Marni Rose McFall,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Start with small acts of inclusion and put inclusion into action.—
Julie Kratz,
Forbes.com,
14 Sep. 2025
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The acts also got the chance to meet members of the royal family.—
Mark Gray,
PEOPLE,
14 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Stop forcing parents to choose between their careers and their families, and instead empower them to succeed on both fronts.—
Liz Teran,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
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Wilcox’s defenses have multiple fronts using four and three down linemen, stemming on the same play and disguised coverages.—
Andy Greder,
Twin Cities,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The eligibility dates for the 2024 Emmy Awards apply to shows that aired between June 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025.—
Saman Shafiq,
USA Today,
14 Sep. 2025
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There will be mermaid swim shows and meet and greets, pirate adventure shows and sailor camp.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
13 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Townshend recalled performing in Chicago at a small club turned roller rink called the Kinetic Playground, 1969 performances with a particularly special opening act.—
Jim Ryan,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
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Celebrity contestants are taking the stage with personal anthem performances, launching a new season of competition and fan voting.—
Amanda Castro,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretenses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretenses. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.
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