deception, misrepresentation, deceit - a misleading falsehood

bluff - pretense that your position is stronger than it really is; "his bluff succeeded in getting him accepted"

pretext, stalking-horse - something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason

hypocrisy, lip service - an expression of agreement that is not supported by real conviction

dissimulation, deception, dissembling, deceit - the act of deceiving

show, appearance - pretending that something is the case in order to make a good impression; "they try to keep up appearances"; "that ceremony is just for show"

pretend, make-believe - the enactment of a pretense; "it was just pretend"

affectation, affectedness, mannerism, pose - a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display

masquerade - making a false outward show; "a beggar's masquerade of wealth"