1
as in to throw (on)
to place on one's person
I put on a coat and shoes to go outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to exaggerate
to describe or express in too strong terms
some critics are putting it on when they say it's the best comedy ever made
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to pretend
to present a false appearance of
put on a show of anger just for fun
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in mock
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
a put-on goofy voice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in pretense
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive
my bravery was all a put-on—I was scared out of my wits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in parody
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect
for a moment, I couldn't tell if the commercial was serious or a deadpan put-on of ads by other insurance companies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of put on
Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Most of us don't have enough sets of PJs to put on a fresh pair every night.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
Sheldon Pearce, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
But this isn’t what irks rage’s older detractors, who grew up loving Dr. Dre and knew the misogyny of 2001 was not the put-on some of the gun talk might’ve been.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for put on
Verb
In the frenzy, per Science Daily, bones were put on view at the farm, and other artifacts later wre brought on tours with the Ringling Brothers show.
—Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 11 Oct. 2025
Most of us don't have enough sets of PJs to put on a fresh pair every night.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
With access to troves of archival footage, Braverman shows Kaufman transforming the very nature of comedy by launching the put-on into existential extremes.
—Sheldon Pearce, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2025
But this isn’t what irks rage’s older detractors, who grew up loving Dr. Dre and knew the misogyny of 2001 was not the put-on some of the gun talk might’ve been.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for put on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for put on
Verb
-
Whether or not The Bitch of Buchenwald did what is reenacted on the show isn’t relevant, because her activities are placed in the context of a comic book that exaggerates history to make a point — just like Monster does.—
Brian Tallerico,
Vulture,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Under these conditions, Democrats and Republicans tend to exaggerate the characteristics of the other party based on common stereotypes.—
Ron Barrett,
The Conversation,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Inspire pretend play with the popular Melissa & Doug Ice Cream Counter or give them a chance to be creative with the Yrinfay DIY Unicorn Shrinking Plastic Art Kit.—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
7 Oct. 2025
-
According to the outlet and several videos circulating on social media, Mojito tricked pedestrians by pretending to inject them with a syringe in a series of viral videos.—
Luke Chinman,
PEOPLE,
7 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The silhouette is perfectly slouchy, and the wide sleeves and mock neckline add drama.—
Nusrat Sultana,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Oct. 2025
-
The simple design has the comfort and fit of a classic long-sleeve shirt, but with a twisted mock neck that adds a touch of dimension.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Under the pretense of a back-to-school rules review, the sophomore through senior classes at Ruskin were treated to a stirring drumline performance before a shocked Sixta took the the stage.—
Ilana Arougheti
Updated October 7,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
-
In the end, no one was pretending, unless pretense paid the bills.—
Lavender Au,
The Dial,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The only people who write him letters are serial killers who adore him, especially serial killers who were portrayed on the Netflix series Mindhunter (which Monster, for some reason, takes a swipe at with a frankly exhausting, metatextual parody).—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
4 Oct. 2025
-
The screenwriter, Nora Garrett, has achieved an amusingly florid Hollywood simulacrum—one that tilts into knowing parody—of an intensely self-regarding world.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
For the shoot, the star also donned a black ball gown with lace detailing at the neckline and a voluminous skirt.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
10 Oct. 2025
-
If donning the jacket leather side up, pops of sherpa fuzziness will still be yours to enjoy, as the coat’s patch pockets are artfully topped by the material.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
10 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
As a precaution, health and trade associations are urging consumers and bars to destroy or properly dispose of empty bottles to prevent counterfeiters from reusing them in the production of fake liquor.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
12 Oct. 2025
-
After going for it on fourth-and-short successfully with a direct snap to Hall on a fake punt, the Jets proceeded to … run out the clock with runs, short passes, and by not snapping the ball on fourth down.—
Devon Henderson,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
One photo captures Nelson walking in front of Union Terminal's recognizable Art Deco facade.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
9 Oct. 2025
-
Yet beneath that minimalist façade lies a surprisingly complex design challenge that has architects and homeowners rethinking how to integrate wellness spaces into contemporary living.—
Jesse Dorris,
Architectural Digest,
8 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Put on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/put%20on. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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