Pretense vs Pretence: Meaning, Spelling, and Examples

Pretense vs pretence is a spelling difference between American and British English. Both words have the same meaning: a false appearance, claim, or show of a feeling or quality. Pretense is the standard American English spelling, while pretence is the standard British English spelling. Both forms appear in everyday conversation, formal writing, and literature.

Understanding this difference helps you choose the right spelling for your audience. It also helps you distinguish pretense vs pretext, understand the phrase under the pretense of, and use related expressions such as false pretense correctly. Whether you are writing an academic essay, a business email, or a casual message, the right word depends on your spelling convention and the meaning you want to express.

Table of Contents

Pretense or Pretence: Which Spelling Is Correct?

Pretense and pretence are both correct spellings. American English generally uses pretense, while British English uses pretence. The words share the same meaning and are pronounced the same way in ordinary usage. Choose the spelling that matches your intended audience, and use it consistently throughout your writing.

Pretense Is the American English Spelling

Pretense is the preferred spelling in the United States. American dictionaries, newspapers, books, and professional publications generally use this form.

The spelling follows a common American English pattern in which some words ending in -ence in British English use -ense in American English. Similar examples include defense and defence, offense and offence, and license and licence when used as nouns.

Here are some examples of pretense in American English:

He made no pretense of understanding the complicated instructions.
Her cheerful attitude was only a pretense to hide her disappointment.
The company rejected the claim under the pretense that the documents were incomplete.
She saw through his pretense of confidence.

In each sentence, pretense describes an appearance, claim, or act of pretending that does not reflect the full truth.

If you are writing for an American audience, use pretense in your article, essay, email, or report.

Pretence Is the British English Spelling

Pretence is the preferred spelling in British English. Writers in the United Kingdom commonly use it in newspapers, novels, educational materials, and professional documents.

The spelling also appears in other English-speaking regions that follow British spelling conventions, although individual publications and organizations may have their own style preferences.

Examples of pretence in British English include:

He made no pretence of being interested in the discussion.
Her politeness was a pretence that concealed her frustration.
The manager saw through his pretence of innocence.
They entered the building under the pretence of delivering a parcel.

These sentences mean the same thing as their American English equivalents. Only the spelling changes.

If you are writing for a British audience, choose pretence. The same approach works for publications that follow British spelling conventions.

Pretense vs. Pretence at a Glance

The table below summarizes the main differences.

Feature	Pretense	Pretence
Preferred spelling	American English	British English
Part of speech	Noun	Noun
Meaning	A false appearance, claim, or show	A false appearance, claim, or show
Pronunciation	Same as pretence	Same as pretense
Example	He dropped the pretense.	He dropped the pretence.
Related adjective	Pretentious	Pretentious

The key point is simple: neither spelling is inherently more correct than the other. The appropriate form depends on your audience and the style guide you follow.

Also, notice that pretentious retains the same spelling in both varieties of English. You do not normally change it to pretencious when writing for a British audience.

Pretense Meaning and Definition

Pretense means an appearance, claim, or display that is not genuine. It often describes a person pretending to feel something, possess a quality, or have an intention that does not match reality. The British spelling, pretence, carries the same meaning. The word often suggests deception, but the exact implication depends on the context.

What Does Pretense Mean?

In simple terms, pretense means pretending that something is true when it is not, or presenting an appearance that hides reality.

For example, imagine someone who feels nervous before a public speech but acts completely confident. Their confidence may be a pretense if they are deliberately presenting a feeling they do not actually have.

Consider these additional examples:

A pretense of happiness: Someone acts cheerful while feeling upset.
A pretense of knowledge: Someone behaves as though they understand a subject they do not know.
A pretense of innocence: Someone presents themselves as innocent, whether or not that appearance reflects the truth.
A pretense of friendship: Someone acts like a friend without having genuine friendly intentions.

The word can describe a deliberate attempt to mislead another person. However, it can also describe a general appearance or performance without establishing why the person created it.

For instance, a character in a novel might maintain a pretense of confidence to hide insecurity. That does not automatically mean the character intends to harm anyone.

The surrounding sentence helps readers understand whether the pretense involves dishonesty, self-protection, social behavior, or dramatic performance.

Pretense as a Noun

Pretense is a noun because it names an appearance, claim, or act of pretending rather than describing an action directly.

The word appears in several common grammatical patterns.

Expression	Meaning	Example
A pretense	A false appearance or claim	His friendliness was a pretense.
Make a pretense	Create or maintain an appearance	She made a pretense of listening.
No pretense	No attempt to claim or display something	He made no pretense of expertise.
Under the pretense of	Using a stated purpose that may conceal the real motive	They arrived under the pretense of conducting an inspection.
A pretense of innocence	An appearance of being innocent	His pretense of innocence fooled nobody.

You can use pretense with articles such as a and the, depending on the sentence.

For example:

She maintained a pretense of calm.
The detective questioned the pretense of innocence.
He abandoned his pretense of indifference.

In these examples, the noun refers to a particular appearance or claim.

Pretense vs. Pretending

Although pretense and pretending are closely related, they perform different grammatical functions.

Pretense is a noun. Pretending is the -ing form of the verb pretend, and it can function as a gerund or part of a continuous verb phrase.

Compare these sentences:

Pretense: His confidence was a pretense.
Pretending: He was pretending to feel confident.
Pretense: She dropped her pretense of indifference.
Pretending: She stopped pretending that she did not care.

The noun often focuses on the false appearance itself. The verb form focuses more directly on the act of creating that appearance.

This distinction matters when editing a sentence. If you want to name a false display, use pretense. If you want to describe what someone is doing, pretend or pretending may be more natural.

For example, “He was pretense to be happy” is incorrect. Write “He was pretending to be happy” or “His happiness was a pretense.”

Pretense in a Sentence: Examples and Usage

Pretense appears in sentences about emotions, behavior, relationships, work, and deception. Writers use it to describe a difference between what someone shows and what is actually true. The word can sound formal or literary, so simpler alternatives such as act, show, or pretending may fit casual conversations better.

Everyday Examples of Pretense

Here are original sentences showing how the word works in everyday contexts.

Emotions and feelings

She maintained a pretense of happiness throughout the family gathering.
His laughter was a pretense designed to hide his embarrassment.
I could hear the sadness behind her pretense of cheerfulness.
After the argument, neither of them bothered to maintain the pretense that everything was fine.

Knowledge and confidence

The student made no pretense of understanding the advanced mathematics lesson.
His pretense of expertise disappeared when the team asked specific questions.
She dropped the pretense of confidence and admitted that she needed help.

Friendship and relationships

Their friendship was little more than a pretense.
He saw through her pretense of concern.
They continued the pretense of a happy marriage for the sake of appearances.

Work and professional situations

The manager made no pretense of being satisfied with the results.
The company rejected the proposal without the pretense of conducting a detailed review.
She attended the meeting under the pretense of gathering information.

Each example uses the word to highlight a difference between appearance and reality. The exact meaning changes with the situation, but the central idea remains the same.

Pretense in Formal and Academic Writing

In formal writing, pretense can help describe a false claim, an artificial appearance, or behavior that conceals the truth. It appears naturally in literary criticism, social analysis, essays, and discussions of human behavior.

For example:

The novel explores the pretense of respectability in a society that rewards appearances over honesty.

Here, pretense refers to a public image that hides a different reality.

Another example:

The report challenged the pretense that the policy benefited every group equally.

In this sentence, the word questions the truth of a claim.

However, avoid using pretense when a more precise word would improve your writing. In a scientific report, for example, unsupported claim, misrepresentation, or false assumption might communicate the issue more accurately.

Compare these choices:

General: The company’s promise of transparency was a pretense.
More specific: The company misrepresented its data.
Neutral: The company’s claim lacked supporting evidence.

The best choice depends on the evidence and the point you want to make. Pretense can imply that an appearance is false, but it does not automatically prove that someone deliberately lied.

Common Expressions With Pretense

Several expressions use pretense in predictable ways.

Make no pretense

This means not claiming or pretending to possess a quality, ability, or level of knowledge.

Example: “I make no pretense of being an expert in tax law.”

The speaker openly acknowledges a limitation instead of claiming expertise.

A pretense of innocence

This describes an appearance of innocence that may not be genuine.

Example: “He maintained a pretense of innocence even after the evidence emerged.”

The sentence suggests that the person’s displayed innocence conflicts with the circumstances.

Drop the pretense

This means to stop pretending or stop maintaining a false appearance.

Example: “Once everyone had left, she dropped the pretense of confidence.”

Keep up the pretense

This means to continue maintaining an appearance that does not reflect reality.

Example: “They kept up the pretense of being close friends during the ceremony.”

These expressions work in both American and British English. Change pretense to pretence when following British spelling conventions.

Under the Pretense Meaning and Examples

Under the pretense of means using a stated reason, purpose, or appearance that may conceal someone’s actual intention. The phrase often implies deception, especially when the stated reason serves as an excuse to gain access, avoid suspicion, or achieve another goal. Its British spelling is under the pretence of.

What Does “Under the Pretense Of” Mean?

The expression describes a situation in which someone presents one reason for an action while pursuing another purpose.

For example, a person might visit a colleague under the pretense of returning a book when the real purpose is to discuss a confidential matter.

The stated reason is returning the book. The hidden intention is having a private conversation.

The phrase usually follows this structure:

Under the pretense of + noun or verb ending in -ing

Examples include:

Under the pretense of helping
Under the pretense of friendship
Under the pretense of conducting research
Under the pretense of a routine inspection

You can also use the phrase with a clause introduced by that in some constructions, although the noun or -ing pattern is especially common.

The expression often has a negative implication because it suggests that the stated purpose is not the whole story. However, readers still need context to determine whether the person deliberately deceived someone.

“Under the Pretense Of” in a Sentence

These examples show how the expression works in different situations.

He entered the office under the pretense of delivering a package.
She called her former colleague under the pretense of asking for advice.
The stranger approached the family under the pretense of offering assistance.
They requested access to the building under the pretense of conducting an inspection.
He visited the neighborhood under the pretense of looking for an apartment.
The salesperson contacted the customer under the pretense of following up on an earlier inquiry.

In each case, the phrase introduces the reason that someone presents to others.

To understand the expression, ask two questions:

What reason did the person give?
What purpose, if any, did the person actually have?

The difference between those answers often explains why the writer chose under the pretense of.

“Under the Pretense Of” vs. “On the Pretext Of”

Under the pretense of and on the pretext of can describe actions performed under a misleading or concealed reason. However, pretext focuses more directly on the stated excuse, while pretense can also emphasize a false appearance or act.

Expression	Main emphasis	Example
Under the pretense of	A false appearance or claimed purpose	He entered under the pretense of helping.
On the pretext of	A stated reason used to conceal another motive	He left on the pretext of feeling ill.

The expressions overlap, so either may work in some situations.

Consider this example:

“He contacted the director under the pretense of requesting feedback.”

This sentence emphasizes the appearance of seeking feedback.

“He contacted the director on the pretext of requesting feedback.”

This version emphasizes the stated reason for making contact.

The difference is subtle. In many contexts, the surrounding sentence matters more than the choice between the two expressions.

Pretense vs. Pretext: What’s the Difference?

Pretense refers to a false appearance, claim, or display, while pretext refers to a reason or excuse used to conceal the real motive for an action. The words overlap when someone pretends to have a particular reason for doing something. However, pretense can describe a broader false appearance, whereas pretext focuses on the explanation given.

What Does Pretext Mean?

A pretext is a stated reason that someone uses to hide the real reason for an action. It often implies that the explanation is misleading or not the person’s main motivation.

For example:

He used a headache as a pretext for leaving the meeting.
The invitation was a pretext for asking about the company’s finances.
She offered to help as a pretext for spending more time with the team.

In each sentence, the pretext is the reason given or presented to explain an action.

The word does not always require an elaborate lie. A pretext may be a convenient excuse, a partial explanation, or a reason that hides a more important motive.

For instance, someone might say they need to leave early because they have another appointment. That statement could be entirely true. It becomes a pretext when the appointment serves as a cover for the actual reason for leaving.

Key Differences Between Pretense and Pretext

The main difference lies in what each word emphasizes.

Feature	Pretense	Pretext
Core meaning	A false appearance, claim, or show	A reason or excuse that hides the real motive
Main focus	How something or someone appears	Why someone claims to be acting
Common pattern	A pretense of confidence	A pretext for leaving
Typical example	Her kindness was a pretense.	She used kindness as a pretext to gain trust.
Scope	Can describe emotions, identity, qualities, or behavior	Usually relates to a reason for an action

Consider the difference in these two sentences:

“His confidence was a pretense.”

This sentence suggests that he appeared confident but did not genuinely feel that way.

“His confidence was a pretext for taking control of the meeting.”

This sentence suggests that his display of confidence served as a reason or cover for another action.

The second sentence uses pretext to emphasize the purpose behind the behavior.

Can Pretense and Pretext Be Used Interchangeably?

Sometimes, but not always. The words overlap when a person uses a false appearance or claim to conceal a motive. Still, replacing one with the other can shift the meaning.

For example:

Pretense: She maintained a pretense of friendship.
Pretext: She used friendship as a pretext to obtain confidential information.

The first sentence focuses on the appearance of friendship. The second focuses on the purpose behind the claimed friendship.

Use pretense when the central idea is a false appearance or display. Use pretext when the central idea is a reason or excuse that conceals another motive.

This distinction makes writing clearer, especially when you are explaining someone’s behavior or evaluating whether a stated reason is genuine.

Pretense vs. False Pretense

Pretense already suggests an appearance or claim that may not be genuine. False pretense adds the word false for emphasis or clarification. In ordinary conversation, the expressions can overlap. In legal contexts, however, false pretenses may refer to a specific form of deception, and the precise definition depends on the relevant jurisdiction.

What Does False Pretense Mean?

A false pretense is a misleading appearance, claim, or representation presented as genuine. The phrase highlights the false nature of what someone says, shows, or claims.

For example:

He gained their trust under a false pretense.
The seller attracted customers with the false pretense that the product was brand-new.
She offered help under the false pretense of friendship.

The phrase can describe a false explanation, an invented identity, or an appearance intended to mislead another person.

You may also encounter the expression obtaining money or property by false pretenses in legal discussions. In that setting, the phrase can refer to obtaining something through a materially false representation. The exact legal requirements and terminology vary by jurisdiction.

Do not assume that every misleading statement meets the legal definition of fraud or obtaining property by false pretenses. Legal consequences depend on the applicable law and the specific facts.

Is False Pretense Different From Pretense?

The two expressions share much of their meaning, but they are not identical in emphasis.

Expression	Meaning	Example
Pretense	An appearance or claim that may not be genuine	His friendliness was a pretense.
False pretense	A misleading appearance or claim, with added emphasis on falsity	He gained access under a false pretense.
False pretenses	A plural expression often used in legal or formal contexts	The complaint alleged that the money was obtained by false pretenses.

The word false can make the accusation more explicit. However, it may be unnecessary when the sentence already makes the deceptive nature clear.

For example, “She maintained a pretense of innocence” is natural. You could write “She maintained a false pretense of innocence,” but the added adjective may sound repetitive unless you want extra emphasis.

False Pretense in a Sentence

Here are several examples that show how the expression works.

The visitor entered the property under a false pretense.
The advertisement created the false pretense that the service was free.
He offered a false pretense of concern to avoid suspicion.
The contract dispute involved allegations of misrepresentation and deception.
The investigation examined whether the money had been obtained by false pretenses.

Notice the distinction between an ordinary description and a legal allegation. The first three sentences describe potentially deceptive conduct. The final two illustrate formal contexts in which the facts and applicable rules determine the precise meaning.

When writing about a real dispute, avoid labeling conduct a crime unless the facts and legal context support that description.

Pretense Synonyms and Related Words

Common synonyms for pretense include sham, facade, feigning, and pretext. Each word carries a slightly different meaning. Sham emphasizes something false, facade emphasizes an outward appearance, feigning describes the act of pretending, and pretext focuses on a stated reason that conceals another motive.

Common Synonyms for Pretense

Choose a synonym based on the specific meaning you want to communicate.

Sham

A sham is something false, fake, or designed to appear genuine.

Example: “The supposedly independent review was a sham.”

Use sham when you want to emphasize that a process, claim, or display lacks authenticity.

Facade

A facade is an outward appearance that hides a different reality.

Example: “Behind the facade of success, the business was struggling financially.”

Use facade when the contrast between public appearance and private reality matters.

Feigning

Feigning means pretending to have a feeling, quality, or condition.

Example: “His feigning of surprise did not convince anyone.”

This word emphasizes the act of pretending rather than the appearance itself.

Pretext

A pretext is a stated reason or excuse that hides the actual motive.

Example: “She used the invitation as a pretext for meeting the client.”

Choose this word when the sentence focuses on why someone claims to be doing something.

Deception

Deception involves misleading someone through words, actions, or appearances.

Example: “The investigation revealed a pattern of deception.”

This word is broader than pretense and often emphasizes the act of misleading another person.

Which Synonym Fits Your Sentence?

Use this table to compare common alternatives.

Word	Best use	Example
Sham	A fake process or claim	The election was described as a sham by its critics.
Facade	An outward appearance hiding reality	His cheerful facade concealed his worries.
Feigning	The act of pretending	She was feigning interest in the discussion.
Pretext	A misleading reason	He used traffic as a pretext for arriving late.
Deception	The act of misleading someone	The deception damaged their relationship.
Hypocrisy	A conflict between stated beliefs and behavior	His criticism of dishonesty exposed his own hypocrisy.
Illusion	A misleading impression or perception	The illusion of control disappeared during the crisis.
Excuse	A reason offered to explain or justify an action	She gave an excuse for missing the deadline.

These words are related, but they are not interchangeable in every sentence.

For example, hypocrisy specifically concerns inconsistency between principles, claims, or standards and actual behavior. Someone who pretends to be happy is not necessarily a hypocrite.

Likewise, an illusion can occur without deliberate deception. A visual illusion, for instance, does not require anyone to lie.

Words That Are Similar but Not Exact Synonyms

Some words overlap with pretense but introduce different meanings.

Illusion vs. pretense

An illusion is a misleading impression or perception. It may happen without anyone intentionally creating it.

Example: “The illusion of safety disappeared when the alarm sounded.”

Deception vs. pretense

Deception emphasizes misleading someone. Pretense can describe the false appearance itself.

Example: “The deception lasted for months” focuses on the misleading conduct. “His friendliness was a pretense” focuses on the appearance of friendliness.

Excuse vs. pretext

An excuse can be a genuine explanation. A pretext usually suggests that the stated reason conceals the actual motive.

Example: “She gave an excuse for leaving early” does not necessarily mean she lied. “She used a family emergency as a pretext for leaving early” suggests that the reason was a cover.

Hypocrisy vs. pretense

Hypocrisy involves claiming standards or beliefs that one’s behavior contradicts.

Example: “His public support for honesty contrasted with his dishonest business practices.”

Use pretense when the focus is a false appearance. Use hypocrisy when the focus is the contradiction between a person’s stated principles and behavior.

What Is the Opposite of Pretense?

The opposite of pretense is usually sincerity, honesty, authenticity, or genuineness. The best antonym depends on what the word describes. If someone pretends to have a feeling, sincerity may be the clearest opposite. If someone presents a false identity or appearance, authenticity or genuineness may fit better.

Common Opposites of Pretense

Sincerity

Sincerity means expressing genuine feelings, beliefs, or intentions.

Example: “Her sincere apology showed that she regretted her behavior.”

Sincerity is a useful opposite when pretense describes fake emotions or insincere communication.

Honesty

Honesty means being truthful and avoiding deliberate deception.

Example: “He answered the questions with complete honesty.”

Use honesty when the contrast involves truthfulness.

Authenticity

Authenticity refers to being genuine rather than artificial or misleading.

Example: “The authenticity of her writing made the story believable.”

This word works well when discussing personality, creative work, identity, or public image.

Candor

Candor means speaking openly and directly.

Example: “Her candor helped the team resolve the disagreement.”

Candor contrasts with a pretense that hides important information.

Genuineness

Genuineness means being real, sincere, or authentic.

Example: “The genuineness of his concern reassured his colleagues.”

This word is useful when the focus is on whether a feeling or quality is real.

Pretense vs. Sincerity in Sentences

The following pairs show how antonyms change the meaning of a sentence.

Pretense	Opposite	Difference
His friendliness was a pretense.	His friendliness was sincere.	The first suggests a false display; the second suggests genuine warmth.
She maintained a pretense of confidence.	She spoke with genuine confidence.	One describes a possibly artificial appearance; the other describes real confidence.
Their apology was a pretense.	Their apology was honest.	The first questions the apology’s sincerity; the second affirms its truthfulness.
He hid behind a facade.	He showed his authentic self.	The first emphasizes concealment; the second emphasizes openness and genuineness.

When selecting an antonym, identify the specific quality that the pretense conceals. Honesty addresses truthfulness, sincerity addresses genuine feelings or intentions, and authenticity addresses whether something is genuine.

Common Mistakes When Using Pretense or Pretence

Writers sometimes confuse the two spellings, mix up pretense and pretext, or use expressions such as under the pretense of incorrectly. These mistakes are easy to avoid once you understand the spelling conventions, grammatical patterns, and differences in meaning.

Mixing American and British Spellings

The most common spelling mistake is using pretense in one paragraph and pretence in another without a reason.

Neither form is wrong on its own. The problem is inconsistency.

For example, an American English article might use:

The manager rejected the pretense of fairness.
The company’s defense focused on the available evidence.
The team took offense at the accusation.

A British English article might use:

The manager rejected the pretence of fairness.
The company’s defence focused on the available evidence.
The team took offence at the accusation.

For consistency, select a spelling convention before writing. This matters especially in long articles, academic papers, websites, and company communications.

If your publication follows American English, use pretense, defense, and offense. If it follows British English, use pretence, defence, and offence.

Confusing Pretense With Pretext

These words overlap, but they emphasize different things.

Incorrect word choice can make a sentence less precise.

Compare:

“His pretense of confidence fooled the audience.”
“He used the presentation as a pretext for promoting his private business.”

The first sentence concerns an appearance of confidence. The second concerns a reason for taking an action.

A practical editing test is to ask what the sentence emphasizes:

If it describes an appearance or quality, consider pretense.
If it describes a reason used to conceal another motive, consider pretext.

This distinction will help you choose the word that fits your intended meaning.

Using “Under the Pretense” Without “Of”

The expression usually takes of when it introduces the stated purpose or appearance.

Natural constructions include:

Under the pretense of helping
Under the pretense of friendship
Under the pretense of a routine visit
Under the pretense of conducting research

For example:

Incorrect: “He entered under the pretense delivering a package.”

Correct: “He entered under the pretense of delivering a package.”

The word of connects the phrase to the activity or explanation that follows.

Treating Every Pretense as a Deliberate Lie

Although pretense often suggests something false, the word does not always establish deliberate dishonesty or malicious intent.

Someone might put on a pretense of confidence because they feel nervous but want to complete a presentation. That behavior differs from deliberately inventing credentials to deceive an employer.

Compare these examples:

“She maintained a pretense of calm during the emergency.”
“He created a false pretense of professional experience to obtain the job.”

The first describes an outward display that may serve as a coping strategy. The second explicitly suggests deceptive conduct.

Good writing reflects the available evidence. Do not imply fraud, dishonesty, or malicious intent unless the context supports that interpretation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pretense or Pretence Correct?

Both spellings are correct. Pretense is the standard American English spelling, while pretence is the standard British English spelling. Both words have the same meaning and pronunciation, so choose the form that matches your audience or publication’s style guide.

What Does Pretense Mean in Simple Words?

Pretense means pretending or creating a false appearance. It can describe someone acting as if they feel a certain way, claiming a quality they do not possess, or presenting a reason that does not reveal their true intention.

What Is the Difference Between Pretense and Pretext?

Pretense emphasizes a false appearance, claim, or display, while pretext emphasizes a stated reason used to conceal the real motive for an action. For example, fake confidence is a pretense, while a misleading excuse for leaving a meeting is a pretext.

What Does “Under the Pretense Of” Mean?

Under the pretense of means using a stated reason or claimed purpose that may conceal someone’s actual intention. For example, “He visited under the pretense of returning a book” suggests that returning the book may not have been his only reason for visiting.

What Is a Synonym for Pretense?

Common synonyms include sham, facade, feigning, and pretext. The best alternative depends on the sentence. Use facade for an outward appearance that hides reality, feigning for the act of pretending, and pretext for a reason that conceals another motive.

What Is the Opposite of Pretense?

Common opposites of pretense include sincerity, honesty, authenticity, and genuineness. Use sincerity when discussing genuine feelings or intentions, honesty when discussing truthfulness, and authenticity when emphasizing that something is real rather than artificial.

Final Thoughts on Pretense vs. Pretence

The difference between pretense vs pretence comes down to spelling convention, not meaning. American English uses pretense, while British English uses pretence. Both forms describe a false appearance, claim, or show of a feeling or quality.

To use the word accurately, remember these distinctions:

Choose pretense for American English and pretence for British English.
Use pretext when you mean a stated reason that conceals the real motive.
Use under the pretense of to introduce a claimed purpose that may hide another intention.
Choose synonyms such as facade, sham, and feigning according to the meaning you want to convey.
Use sincerity, honesty, or authenticity when you need an opposite.