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 facade
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 right
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
Federal officials have declared ICE’s killings lawful and justified over social media without any pretense of a formal review, making statements that are cruel, derogatory, misleading, or simply false.
—
The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
Investigators say Wilson approached her under the pretense of needing directions.
—Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Worse still, despite setting aside any pretense of being taken seriously, there’s scant material to be savored across 11 repetitive episodes.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2026
Toronto might be considered the New York City of Canada, but Bo Bichette is under no pretenses that playing for the Blue Jays is comparable to playing for one of the baseball teams in the Big Apple.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretense
The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
Investigators say Wilson approached her under the pretense of needing directions.
—Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 22 Jan. 2026
Worse still, despite setting aside any pretense of being taken seriously, there’s scant material to be savored across 11 repetitive episodes.
—Ben Travers, IndieWire, 21 Jan. 2026
Toronto might be considered the New York City of Canada, but Bo Bichette is under no pretenses that playing for the Blue Jays is comparable to playing for one of the baseball teams in the Big Apple.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 21 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretense
Noun
-
For the most part though, For the First Time, Again is weighed down by oversinging and emotional affectation.—
Millan Verma,
Pitchfork,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The self-conscious aspiration to hipness here is unfortunate and decidedly not cool, but some may find such affectations quaint.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Trumpism does not hide behind the facade of something high.—
Ezra Klein,
Mercury News,
28 Jan. 2026
-
Don’t be fooled by the dull façade of their authority.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
28 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Members of Congress have for months been denied their lawful right to inspect detention facilities in Minnesota, New Jersey, Florida and California.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
-
The underlying lawsuit, filed in December, alleges that federal officers violated the First and Fourth Amendment rights of six protesters.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Despite trariffs, military power, dollar dominance and presidential arrogance, isolation, America will triumph.—
Letters to the Editor,
Hartford Courant,
23 Jan. 2026
-
Adriana is immediately aware of his confidence—bordering on arrogance—but also senses potential chemistry in their skating styles.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
With a takeout window and a sprawling open-air patio currently patrolled by the world’s noisiest rooster, the modest spot just west of I-95 has become known as a place for warm comfort food without pretension.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The nation was to be purged of continual sin not indeed all of its own doing—due partly to its inheritance; and yet a sin, a negation that gave the world the right to sneer at the pretensions of this republic.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
At an Antarctic research station, a shape-shifting alien creature — in the initial guise of a dog — takes over and metamorphosizes into a variety of beings, supplanting the humans until their mutual distrust and isolation lead to paranoia and violence.—
David Morgan,
CBS News,
29 Jan. 2026
-
The Skechers shoes boast a low-profile silhouette, plus a slip-on design despite their lace-up guise.—
Kyra Surgent,
InStyle,
18 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
For more details on the claims process or to download a claim form, visit the Hoosier Lottery Winners page or contact the customer service team at 1-800-955-6886.—
Chris Sims,
IndyStar,
2 Feb. 2026
-
Many residents in Minnesota are doubtful of Homan’s claim that federal immigration authorities are preparing a drawdown plan for law enforcement in the state.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
His team did not take the opportunity to fully exert their superiority against weakened opponents.—
Amy Lawrence,
New York Times,
15 Jan. 2026
-
Given their overall superiority in data transfer speeds and load times, SSD is generally the superior choice, though HDDs are just fine for less sensitive data.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
14 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretense. Accessed 4 Feb. 2026.
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