1
as in mock
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
the feigned applause that polite people give after a bad concert
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fake
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express
the feigned looks of innocence I got when I asked who had broken the lamp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in pretended
to present a false appearance of
I would never feign illness just to get out of a test
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of feigned
Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
At that exact moment, the album shifts gears, exchanging feigned authenticity for an honest search for meaning.
—Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026
Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Of particular concern, the organization took steps to hide its money in shell political action committees and coordinated donations via individual donors while the candidates who benefited often feigned ignorance about enormous donations and expenditures.
—Jesse Jackson Jr, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Adjective
That leaves only the feigned feud between Paul and Gronkowski — Brady’s longtime pal and New England Patriots teammate.
—Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026
At that exact moment, the album shifts gears, exchanging feigned authenticity for an honest search for meaning.
—Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026
Verb
The complaint alleges that district personnel’s concern over asbestos exposure was feigned to justify disciplining Rupert.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Of particular concern, the organization took steps to hide its money in shell political action committees and coordinated donations via individual donors while the candidates who benefited often feigned ignorance about enormous donations and expenditures.
—Jesse Jackson Jr, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feigned
Adjective
-
Public health officials have been preparing for months, said Philadelphia’s Raval-Nelson, including with mock emergency drills and communications with counterparts around the country.—
Lauran Neergaard,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
The mock-neck tank pairs effortlessly with jeans, shorts, or skirts, while the floral wide-leg pants can stand on their own with a simple white tee.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the highs, however, there were some low moments in the week — including a near run-in with Scooter Braun and an insult from a radio analyst who deemed Swift a fake Knicks fan.—
Leigh Blickley,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
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To make matters worse, cybercriminals are using fake FIFA sites, bogus ticket offers and phony job ads to scam viewers.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
In the first incident, the victim pretended to sleep during the attack.—
Harry Harris,
Mercury News,
16 June 2026
-
Griffin has never pretended to be a radical innovator or a savant.—
Gary Sernovitz,
New Yorker,
15 June 2026
Adjective
-
Jay has just one hour of oxygen left to forge an escape, applying the knowledge and skill set his late father passed on to him, while also reconciling their strained relationship in the process.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
-
The council listened, with strained faces and large eyes.—
Tanya Babbar,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Then and only then did Brunson wrap his head in a towel, double over at the waist and start crying.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
14 June 2026
-
The Angels added to their advantage in the sixth inning when Guzman delivered a two-out two-run single and Walton followed with his run-scoring double.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
14 June 2026
Verb
-
This year, the United Arab Emirates was told its gas leaks less methane than everyone had assumed.—
Dara-Abasi Ita,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
When Perimenopause Actually Starts A February 2025 study in npj Women’s Health by UVA Health and Flo Health found perimenopausal symptoms starting much earlier than commonly assumed.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
Baldoni denied the allegations and maintained that Lively's claims were false.—
Janelle Ash , Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
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Baldoni filed a countersuit in January 2025 for civil extortion, defamation and false light.—
Liza Esquibias,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
Adjective
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Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.—
Caroline Reilly,
Forbes.com,
25 Mar. 2026
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On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.—
Essence,
Essence,
23 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Feigned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feigned. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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