1. a false claim or reason given to hide one’s real purpose or feelings
2. the act of pretending or making believe
3. a claim to have a particular quality or skill

Examples

• She visited him under the pretense of returning his book.
• His concern was just a pretense to get information.
• The children engaged in elaborate pretense during their game.
• He dropped all pretense and told her the truth.
• She made no pretense of being interested in sports.
• His pretense of expertise was quickly exposed.
• The meeting was a pretense for discussing the merger.