1. an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true; a false display or claim
Usage: British spelling; American spelling is ‘pretense’
2. a claim to have or be something, especially when false or questionable
Usage: often used with ‘to’
3. imaginative play or make-believe
Usage: especially in children’s activities

Examples

• She kept up the pretence that everything was fine.
• His concern was just a pretence to get information.
• The company made no pretence of caring about the environment.
• He had no pretence to being an expert on the subject.
• The children engaged in elaborate pretence during their game.
• She dropped all pretence and told him exactly what she thought.
• Under the pretence of helping, he was actually spying on them.