The act of holding out, or offering, to others something false or feigned; presentation of what is deceptive or hypocritical; deception by showing what is unreal and concealing what is real; false show; simulation; as, pretense of illness; under pretense of patriotism; on pretense of revenging Cæsar's death.

That which is pretended; false, deceptive, or hypocritical show, argument, or reason; pretext; feint.

Intention; design.

the act of giving a false appearance; "his conformity was only pretending"

pretending with intention to deceive

a false or unsupportable quality

an artful or simulated semblance; "under the guise of friendship he betrayed them"

a false show to hide personal feelings