pretence
Americannoun
noun
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the act of pretending
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a false display; affectation
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a claim, esp a false one, to a right, title, or distinction
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make-believe or feigning
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a false claim or allegation; pretext
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a less common word for pretension
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.
Mr. Macron has since abandoned any pretence of an economic-growth agenda.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 25, 2026
Rachel and Stephen huddled around the illustration in the castle foyer with faithful Reece, under the pretence of translating its Latin inscription, before the two traitors asked Reece to make himself scarce.
From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026
By the encore, he'd given up all pretence of being a high-rolling playboy.
From BBC • Mar. 30, 2025
"Most of the world has already given up any pretence that it is affordable or achievable," said Lord Mackinlay, founder of the Net Zero Scrutiny Group.
From BBC • Mar. 17, 2025
The pretence of my life had to become a reality if I was to survive any of this.
From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
