pretense
noun
pre·tense
ˈprē-ˌten(t)s 
pri-ˈten(t)s
variants
or pretence
1
: a claim made or implied
especially
: one not supported by fact
2
a
: mere ostentation : pretentiousness
confuse dignity with pomposity and pretense—
Bennett Cerf
Bennett Cerf
b
: a pretentious act or assertion
3
: an inadequate or insincere attempt to attain a certain condition or quality
4
: professed rather than real intention or purpose : pretext
was there under false pretenses
5
6
: false show : simulation
saw through his pretense of indifference
Synonyms
Examples of pretense in a Sentence
We tried to keep up the pretense that everything was fine.
Their indifference is merely pretense.
Recent Examples on the Web
Under the flimsy pretense of combating Russian interference, major media engaged in an industry-wide conspiracy ...
—Becket Adams, National Review, 23 June 2024
While both parties have long since abandoned even the pretense of concern about federal debt, the risks are real.
—The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 20 June 2024
Alito, meanwhile, appears to have abandoned even the pretense that federal judges should appear impartial and nonpartisan.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 17 June 2024
They were each charged with 25 counts of theft of a domestic animal, unauthorized use of a vehicle and obtaining money by false pretense, deputies said.
—Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for pretense 
Becket Adams, National Review, 23 June 2024
While both parties have long since abandoned even the pretense of concern about federal debt, the risks are real.
—The Editorial Board, Orange County Register, 20 June 2024
Alito, meanwhile, appears to have abandoned even the pretense that federal judges should appear impartial and nonpartisan.
—Ian Millhiser, Vox, 17 June 2024
They were each charged with 25 counts of theft of a domestic animal, unauthorized use of a vehicle and obtaining money by false pretense, deputies said.
—Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 12 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for pretense
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pretense.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near pretense
Cite this Entry
“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretense. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pretense
noun
pre·tense
variants
or pretence
1
: a claim usually not supported by facts
2
: the quality or state of being pretentious
free from pretense
3
: an effort to reach a certain condition or quality
let's have some pretense of order around here
the book makes no pretense at completeness
4
: a pretended purpose
was there under false pretenses
5
: a false show : simulation
a pretense of indifference
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