pretend to (something)
idiom
formal
: to claim that one has (something, such as a quality or ability)
She pretends to a deep religious devotion, but I don't believe her.
—usually used in negative statementsI don't pretend to any expertise in these matters.
Examples of pretend to (something) in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Burgess can be seen sporting red hair, leaning over to pretend to take a lick of an ice cream cone.
—
Kayla Grant, People.com, 7 May 2025
Cécile then devises a plan to separate them by having Elsa and Cécile’s own boyfriend, Cyril (Aliocha Schneider) pretend to be a couple, knowing that the situation would spark Raymond’s jealousy.
—Abigail Lee, Variety, 2 May 2025
So much time gets wasted when people pretend to understand, derail conversations with vague statements, or stay silent while decisions move forward based on shaky assumptions.
—Stefan Falk, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025
Those scammed lost $2 billion in business email compromise scams, which occurs when scammers pretend to be a supervisor or co-worker and ask for money or gift cards.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretend to (something)
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Kayla Grant, People.com, 7 May 2025
Cécile then devises a plan to separate them by having Elsa and Cécile’s own boyfriend, Cyril (Aliocha Schneider) pretend to be a couple, knowing that the situation would spark Raymond’s jealousy.
—Abigail Lee, Variety, 2 May 2025
So much time gets wasted when people pretend to understand, derail conversations with vague statements, or stay silent while decisions move forward based on shaky assumptions.
—Stefan Falk, CNBC, 29 Apr. 2025
Those scammed lost $2 billion in business email compromise scams, which occurs when scammers pretend to be a supervisor or co-worker and ask for money or gift cards.
—Luke Barr, ABC News, 23 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretend to (something)
Cite this Entry
“Pretend to (something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretend%20to%20%28something%29. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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