Pretense vs. Pretence
“Pretense” and “pretence” are regional spellings of the same noun. Cambridge documents the US/UK spelling split; the guide does not manufacture a semantic distinction between them.
Use “pretense” in US English and “pretence” in UK English.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| US spelling | pretense | Use the US form. |
| UK spelling | pretence | Use the UK form. |
| mixed or institutional style | follow the target house/dialect style | The spelling difference does not normally signal a meaning difference. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you writing in a US-English spelling system?
If yes: Use “pretense.”
If no: Use “pretence” in UK English, or follow the required house style.
Examples
The excuse was only a pretense.
“Pretense” is the US spelling.
The excuse was only a pretence.
“Pretence” is the UK spelling.
Keep one spelling system consistent across the document.
The choice is regional/style-based rather than a difference in meaning.
Further guidance
Core difference
Use “pretense” in US English and “pretence” in UK English.
Style Boundary
Choose the form that matches the regional or house style of the document, and keep the choice consistent where both forms are acceptable.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Pretense — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Pretense as US spelling and pretence as UK spelling