noun
pretense
PREE-tehns
Pretense (noun) means a false show or claim put on to create a misleading impression; the American spelling of "pretence". Example: “He got into the building under the pretense of delivering flowers.”
noun
1
A false show or claim put on to create a misleading impression; the American spelling of "pretence".
"He got into the building under the pretense of delivering flowers."
"She dropped the pretense and admitted she was upset."
How to use pretense
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA cover story or false front used to hide the real motive or truth.
UK vs US
American English spells this "pretense"; British English uses "pretence".
Easily confused with
Common pairings
under the pretense of
false pretenses
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Word forms
- Plural
- pretenses
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He got into the building under the _____ of delivering flowers.
Etymology
From Late Latin praetensus, past participle of Latin praetendere ("to pretend"), from prae- ("before") + tendere ("to stretch").
Synonyms
View more →
guise
pretence
dissembling
pretending
feigning
an awkward situation
false pretense
fiction
imitation
pretext
sham
subterfuge
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for pretense
See all rhymes for pretense →Frequently asked questions
What does “pretense” mean?
The word “pretense” means a false show or claim put on to create a misleading impression; the American spelling of "pretence". In plain terms, a cover story or false front used to hide the real motive or truth.
How do you pronounce “pretense”?
“Pretense” is pronounced PREE-tehns (/ˈpɹiːtɛns/ in IPA).
How do you use “pretense” in a sentence?
Here is “pretense” used in a sentence: “He got into the building under the pretense of delivering flowers.”
What is another word for “pretense”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pretense” include an awkward situation, false pretense, fiction, imitation, pretext and sham.
What part of speech is “pretense”?
“Pretense” is a noun.
Where does the word “pretense” come from?
The word “pretense” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin praetensus, past participle of Latin praetendere ("to pretend"), from prae- ("before") + tendere ("to stretch").
