pretense crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're looking for solutions to the "pretense crossword clue," you've come to the right place. Below you'll find a comprehensive list of possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "pretense crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
ACT: A simple, often feigned, action or display.
4 Letters
SHAM: Something that is not what it purports to be; a counterfeit.
5 Letters
GUISE: An external form, appearance, or manner of presentation, typically concealing the true nature of something.
6 Letters
FACADE: An outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant or creditable reality.
7 Letters
CHARADE: An absurd pretense intended to create a pleasant or respectable appearance.
10 Letters
MASQUERADE: A false show or pretense; a disguise.
More About "pretense crossword clue"
The clue "pretense" is a classic in crosswords, often appearing in various forms to test a solver's vocabulary and understanding of synonyms. A pretense implies a false display, an act designed to deceive or create a misleading impression. It can range from a simple feigned emotion to an elaborate cover-up, and the specific answer will depend heavily on the length of the word needed and any intersecting letters.
Understanding the nuances of "pretense" is key. Is the clue looking for a quick, momentary 'act', a superficial 'guise', or a more elaborate, extended 'masquerade'? Crossword constructors love to play on these subtle differences, forcing solvers to consider not just the literal meaning but also the context and implied duration or complexity of the deception.
When you encounter "pretense" in a puzzle, consider all the common synonyms and their lengths. Sometimes the clue might hint at the nature of the pretense, such as "outward pretense" for FACADE, or "play-acting pretense" for CHARADE. Keeping a mental list of these related terms can significantly speed up your solving process.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always start by checking the number of letters in the answer box. This immediately narrows down the possibilities for "pretense" from dozens to just a few.
- Look at Intersecting Clues: The most powerful tip! If you have any letters filled in from crossing words, use them to confirm or rule out potential answers for "pretense."
- Consider Nuances of "Pretense": Does the clue imply a short act, a false front, or an elaborate deception? Thinking about these nuances can help you pick between similar-length synonyms like GUISE and FACADE.
- Think about parts of speech: While "pretense" is a noun, its answers might come from verbs used as nouns (e.g., "act") or other related forms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common synonyms for 'pretense' in crosswords?
Common synonyms for 'pretense' often include words like 'ACT', 'SHAM', 'GUISE', 'FACADE', 'CHARADE', and 'MASQUERADE'. The specific answer depends on the number of letters required and the surrounding clues.
How can I figure out the length of a 'pretense' answer if I'm stuck?
If you're stuck on the length for 'pretense', check the intersecting words. The letters you've already filled in from other clues will reveal the exact length of the 'pretense' answer, guiding you to the correct solution from the possibilities.
Are there different types of 'pretense' that appear in crossword clues?
Yes, 'pretense' can refer to a variety of nuances. It might be a simple 'ACT' or 'POSE', a deceptive 'SHAM' or 'FRAUD', or a more elaborate 'CHARADE' or 'MASQUERADE'. The clue might hint at a brief show, a false front, or a complete disguise.