Crossword Genius

Mere pretence in place of academic knowledge (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

facade

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'mere pretence' is the definition.
'facade' can be an answer for 'pretence' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'mere' bit.

'place of academic knowledge' is the wordplay.
'FACADE' is hidden in amongst the letters.
However, I am unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

'in' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for facade that I've seen before include "Deceptive outward appearance" , "External surface" , "Front of building or outer appearance" , "Outside of a building" , "False front" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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