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
Relevance
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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pretenses
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
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
-
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
-
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
-
Representatives for James have called the fraud claims made against her politically motivated and false.—
Robert Faturechi,
ProPublica,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Report suspicious charges to your insurer right away – unfamiliar claims could mean someone is trying to use your benefits.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Research shows the inability to cool down overnight poses a great risk to mother and baby.—
Jessica Meszaros,
Miami Herald,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Rebecca Neumann, a researcher at the University of Washington who also took part in the comments, said the administration’s report fits in with the evolving arguments of those who minimize the threats climate change poses.—
Andrew Freedman,
CNN Money,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Catch the first two acts before the third premieres in November 2025.—
Emy LaCroix,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The show, which has never shied from controversy, will feature performances from Sabrina Carpenter, Ricky Martin, Busta Rhymes, J Balvin with DJ Snake, and rising alt-pop acts Alex Warren and Sombr.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Things line up well on both fronts.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Sep. 2025
-
Swift is also busy on both the personal and professional fronts.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
After both shows ended in 2014, Meyer focused on voice acting, lending his talents to SuperMansion (2015–2017), and Crossing Swords (2020).—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Sep. 2025
-
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
Noun
-
Farrell and costar Cristin Milioti are both nominated for their performances in limited/anthology series categories.—
Kelly Lawler,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
-
As Vevo’s Senior Manager of Talent Booking, Cynthia Todd emphasized the close partnership and trust that goes into making opportunities like these special performances come together in Live From Vevo Studios.—
Jeff Benjamin,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretenses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretenses. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share