pretense
noun
pretending or feigning; make-believe.
pretenses
-
pluralof pretense.plural
The grammatical form denoting more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
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.
Barofsky said Fain declared under false pretenses that Boyer had been derelict in his duties.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026
Meanwhile, Lori, a young Black woman hired under false pretenses as an assistant, stares mutely.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 9, 2026
“In cases where people buy properties sight unseen, it would be a stronger case that they made that contract under misleading pretenses and for it to be null and void,” Leben said.
From Slate ● Oct. 17, 2025
This is not the first time in recent weeks that authorities have arrested people accused of trying to enter evacuation zones under false pretenses.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 20, 2025
Her mom had never put up any pretenses about being overly religious.
From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson
