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
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
Lottie’s wellness cult is no more, although an incriminating video tape gives the adults at least some pretense of narrative tension.
—Abby Monteil, Them, 13 Mar. 2025
During this and other trials, Chase abandoned all pretense of impartiality, openly siding with federal prosecutors.
—Marianne Holdzkom, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
For more about how to tell generative AI to carry out a pretense, known as an AI persona, see my coverage at the link here.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
But those workers still have some rights and protections, and many say the administration has used false pretenses to fire them.
—Chris Arnold, NPR, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretense
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Abby Monteil, Them, 13 Mar. 2025
During this and other trials, Chase abandoned all pretense of impartiality, openly siding with federal prosecutors.
—Marianne Holdzkom, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
For more about how to tell generative AI to carry out a pretense, known as an AI persona, see my coverage at the link here.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
But those workers still have some rights and protections, and many say the administration has used false pretenses to fire them.
—Chris Arnold, NPR, 1 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretense
Cite this Entry
“Pretense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretense. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.
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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