pretense

[pri-tens, pree-tens] / prɪˈtɛns, ˈpri tɛns /

NOUN

falsehood, affected show; cover

Synonyms

STRONGEST

charade cloak pretext semblance veneer

STRONG

act acting affectation appearance artifice claim deceit deception display dissimulation double-dealing evasion excuse fabrication facade fakery falsification feigning gag guise insincerity invention make believe mask masquerade misrepresentation misstatement ostentation posing posturing pretentiousness routine ruse schtick sham shuffling simulation stall stunt subterfuge trickery veil wile

WEAK

dumb act faking

Antonyms

STRONGEST

reality

STRONG

frankness honesty honor openness quiet simplicity truth truthfulness uprightness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He was instead dispensing with even the pretense that he was open to hearing the Obama administration’s arguments.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

Shredded was the pretense that men’s Division I basketball and football players are amateurs—and the NCAA’s ability to regulate sports.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

Pitino has made a smooth transition to college basketball’s wild new order, in which the pretense of amateurism has been abandoned and the transfer portal reshapes the roster every 12 months.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Yet he did not muster even the pretense of evidence that they pose an “imminent threat.”

From Slate • Feb. 28, 2026

Eventually he stopped with all pretense of auditioning or looking for a job.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

Vocabulary lists containing pretense

"The Crucible" -- Vocabulary from all 4 Acts

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"The Crucible" -- Vocabulary from Act 1

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"The Crucible" -- Vocabulary from Act 2

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