Phrase guide

false pretense

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A representation made of untrue assertions in order to convey a false impression.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: US

Examples

  • She enrolled at the university under false pretenses, giving an invented birth date and lying about her qualifications.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

(law) an offense involving intent to defraud and false representation and obtaining property as a result of that misrepresentation

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: false pretence

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: misdemeanor, misdemeanour, infraction, violation, infringement

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: väärä peruste — representation of untrue facts
  • Icelandic: falskar forsendur — representation of untrue facts
  • Icelandic: svik — representation of untrue facts