pretence

American  

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

noun

British.

1. variant of pretense.

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pretence British  

/ prɪˈtɛns /

noun

1. the act of pretending

2. a false display; affectation

3. a claim, esp a false one, to a right, title, or distinction

4. make-believe or feigning

5. a false claim or allegation; pretext

6. a less common word for pretension

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Example Sentences

They said they had been sold the properties under false pretences and cheated out of their life savings by David Welch - the director of Exclusive Resorts Ltd.

From BBC

"The current pretence is unsustainable, and seems to put all the burden and blame on the victims," he told the BBC.

From BBC

The SFO closed his complaint one day after receiving it, the documents show, and the company was allowed to continue raising money under false pretences until it collapsed with debts of £170m in April 2023.

From BBC

Hull Crown Court heard that Reyes flew from Columbia to the UK via Spain under the pretence of looking for work in London.

From BBC

That can include a lack of authorisation and a failure to explain the risks - all packaged in promotional posts using the pretence of a lavish lifestyle.

From BBC