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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pretense
But the Jiménezes’ work does not carry the pretense of purity.
—
Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2025
By then Bowyer had dropped all pretense of presenting himself as anything but a bookie.
—David Amsden, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
And though some words on the menu may be unfamiliar, there’s no pretense at Purslane.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Al Jazeera Arabic’s power lies in its costume, the pretence of being a legitimate, independent news outlet.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 30 Aug. 2025
By then Bowyer had dropped all pretense of presenting himself as anything but a bookie.
—David Amsden, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025
And though some words on the menu may be unfamiliar, there’s no pretense at Purslane.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Al Jazeera Arabic’s power lies in its costume, the pretence of being a legitimate, independent news outlet.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretense
Noun
-
The band sets aside the winks and retro affectations for something unadorned and honest.—
Sarah Grant,
Rolling Stone,
19 Aug. 2025
-
The scenic appeal is undeniable, nature’s majestic prose both frames and dwarfs the tumultuous affectations of the characters.—
Holly Jones,
Variety,
11 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The Drew Barrymore Show airs weekdays on CBS.—
Emlyn Travis,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The series premiere of About Face airs Wednesday, October 29 at 10pm ET/PT on TLC.—
Vanessa Etienne,
PEOPLE,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The couple isn't interested, Abigail said, and instead, have filed a claim in hopes to get their deposit back.—
Greta Cross,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
-
To make matters more complicated, her brother-in-law thinks his ex-wife still has a claim to the account.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
20 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
All of these terms are used interchangeably to refer to projecting quiet confidence without arrogance.—
Melody Wilding,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
-
The Democratic Party is in shambles because it has become consumed by leadership that wants to have cerebral debates over abstract concepts, and the Republican Party brand, vis-à-vis its own leadership, fails to appeal to greater masses because of its fascination with uninformed arrogance.—
Fabian Naranjo Gonzalez,
Oc Register,
16 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
The Chicago Athletic Association offers an elevated members club experience without the steely pretension.—
Kate Kassin,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Kirk's death was met with bipartisan condemnation from public officials, as top lawmakers on both sides of the aisle raised alarm about the rising tide in acts of violence against public officials.—
Alexandra Hutzler,
ABC News,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Tomorrow, 2025’s summer season will be officially over—so let’s make the most of it with some amazing music and new albums from the industry’s brightest stars and some talented up-and-coming acts.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
19 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
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
-
Not to mention the moral superiority gap it’s widened in conversations between the thin and the not thin enough.—
Allison Lax,
Glamour,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The series, created by married couple Zach Baylin and Kate Susman, drew inspiration from New York’s dynamic nightclub and restaurant culture, which laid the groundwork for the show’s atmosphere.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
20 Sep. 2025
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Bring a bottle of bug spray, a blanket or a comfortable beach chair, then sit back and enjoy the show.—
John Tufts,
Louisville Courier Journal,
20 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretense. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.
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