pretenses

"The condition for getting a raise at work is meeting your quarterly targets. "

"Despite his continued professions of innocence, the court eventually sentenced him to five years."

"The teacher's friendliness made the students feel comfortable asking questions. "

"under pretense of friendliness"

"Her compliment about my presentation felt insincere because she hadn't even looked up from her phone the entire time I was speaking. "

"The bombed bridge was left unsupported and soon collapsed."

"The new sports car was incredibly expensive, costing more than my entire year's savings. "

"She carried a sack of groceries in from her car and placed it on the kitchen table."

"The teacher's criticism of the students' noise was hypocritical; she had been talking loudly on her phone just moments before. "

"The monastery professed young Emily into their order. "

"It’s easy to promise anything when you have no intention of fulfilling any of it."

"The value of testimony depends on its accuracy."