Pretence

Pretence is the act of behaving in a way that is not genuine or sincere, often to deceive or create a false impression. It involves a fabrication or a feigned display of feelings, beliefs, or qualities. The purpose of pretence can vary widely, ranging from simple politeness or social maneuvering to more deliberate attempts at manipulation or outright deception. It implies a conscious effort to present a false front or to simulate a reality that doesn't actually exist. pretence is often used to hide true intentions or feelings, or to gain an advantage in a given situation.

Pretence meaning with examples

• Her constant smile was nothing more than a pretence to conceal her deep sadness over the loss of her pet. She found it difficult to express her grief openly, so she put on a cheerful facade. This was done to avoid making others uncomfortable. Secretly, she longed to share her true feelings.
• The spy maintained a convincing pretence of being a simple tourist, meticulously studying travel guides and taking photographs to blend in. It allowed him to gather crucial intelligence without arousing any suspicion. His casual demeanor was a key part of the operation.
• With a pretence of indifference, he listened to her story, even though he was secretly captivated. It hid his underlying interest. This was a strategic choice to maintain an air of professionalism and avoid any perceived bias. He wanted to be sure to obtain all the facts.
• The political candidate's pretence of caring about the environment was revealed to be hollow when he supported a controversial project that would damage local ecosystems. He pretended to care about their well-being, while actively damaging the location. This ultimately exposed his true priorities and tarnished his reputation.
• Despite his anger, he offered her his congratulations with a pretence of grace, knowing that a show of negativity would only make things worse. He knew that it was better to appear neutral than to respond with an outburst. He hoped that it would de-escalate the situation.

Pretence Synonyms

artifice, charade, deceit, facade, falsification, feigning, guise, hypocrisy, sham, simulation

Pretence Antonyms

authenticity, frankness, genuineness, honesty, reality, sincerity, truthfulness

Pretence Crossword Answers

4 Letters

SHAM

5 Letters

FEINT, GUISE

6 Letters

DECEIT, HUMBUG

7 Letters

PRETEXT, CHARADE

8 Letters

PRETENSE, FEIGNING

10 Letters

PRETENDING, SIMULATION, PRETENSION, MASQUERADE

11 Letters

DISSEMBLING, AFFECTATION, MAKEBELIEVE