pretense
noun/ˈpriːtɛns/
Frequency rank: #12,937 most common English word
Meaning
a false appearance or action intended to deceive others.

Example sentence
He kept up the pretense of being happy even though he was deeply sad inside.
Synonyms & related words
Practice this word in the quiz
More words in ranks 12,901–13,000
- passivelyin a way that accepts or allows what happens without active response or resistance.
- pepperoniA spicy dry sausage made from beef and pork, commonly used as a pizza topping.
- pitchforka long-handled farm tool with two or more sharp metal prongs, used for lifting and pitching hay or straw.
- placidCalm and undisturbed; not easily upset or excited.
- poxan infectious disease causing pustules or blisters on the skin, or a curse on someone or something.
- principledActing according to strong moral rules or beliefs.
- progesteroneA steroid hormone produced mainly by the ovaries that prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy.
- quartA unit of liquid measure equal to two pints or about 0.95 liters.
- rabbleA disorderly, noisy crowd of people.
- raisina dried grape, often used in baking or cooking.