Word.ws English Dictionary

Synonyms of pretense

8 similar words

Another word for pretense is pretext. Other synonyms of pretense are affectation denotes deception for the sake of escape from punishment, an awkward situation, false pretense, fiction and imitation.

Synonyms and similar words for pretense

nounMore synonyms

  • affectation denotes deception for the sake of escape from punishment
  • an awkward situation
  • false pretenseA representation made of untrue assertions in order to convey a false impression.
  • fiction
  • imitation
  • pretextA false, contrived, or assumed purpose or reason; a pretense.
  • sham
  • subterfuge

Meaning of pretense

  1. noun The action of pretending; false or simulated show or appearance; false or hypocritical assertion or representation.
  2. noun Affectation or ostentation of manner.
  3. noun Intention or purpose not real but professed.

Full definition of pretense

pretense in other languages

Questions about synonyms of pretense

What is another word for pretense?
Pretense has 8 synonyms on Word.ws, such as pretext, affectation denotes deception for the sake of escape from punishment, an awkward situation, false pretense, fiction, imitation, sham and subterfuge.
What does pretense mean?
Pretense means the action of pretending; false or simulated show or appearance; false or hypocritical assertion or representation.

Source and license

Adapted from Wiktionary: pretense (page history and authors) and the entries of the words listed. Text available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Word.ws grouped the synonyms and antonyms by meaning and added links. Wiktionary data of 2026-09-02.

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