Pretense: meaning, example and synonyms

Pretensen. A false show or claim meant to deceive or to hide one's real motives.

Example

Under the pretense of conducting a routine survey, the agent gathered detailed information about the factory's unpublished production methods.

Part of speech: noun
Synonyms: sham, facade, guise, pretext
Antonyms: sincerity, candor, genuineness, honesty
Memory tip: Pretend + sense: a pretense is a pretended show.

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Check yourself: Pretense in context

Pick the word that best completes each text.

Question 1

The so-called charity kept up the ______ of serving orphans, but auditors found that nearly all its donations had paid for its founders' private estates.

Question 2

Abandoning all ______ of neutrality, the moderator began openly coaching one candidate during the debate and interrupting the other at every turn.

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