feign

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb feign contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of feign are affect, assume, counterfeit, pretend, sham, and simulate. While all these words mean "to put on a false or deceptive appearance," feign implies more artful invention than pretend, less specific mimicry than simulate.

feigned sickness

When can affect be used instead of feign?

The meanings of affect and feign largely overlap; however, affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling.

affected an interest in art

When is assume a more appropriate choice than feign?

In some situations, the words assume and feign are roughly equivalent. However, assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive.

assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

When could counterfeit be used to replace feign?

The words counterfeit and feign can be used in similar contexts, but counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words.

an actor counterfeiting drunkenness

When might pretend be a better fit than feign?

The synonyms pretend and feign are sometimes interchangeable, but pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance.

pretended that nothing had happened

When is it sensible to use sham instead of feign?

Although the words sham and feign have much in common, sham implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible.

shammed a most unconvincing limp

When would simulate be a good substitute for feign?

While the synonyms simulate and feign are close in meaning, simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something.

cosmetics that simulate a suntan

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of feign Gough’s performance is a savage self-immolation of a woman who only knows how to feign joy — and then only ever in extremis — but equally crucial to the moment is the clothing that costume designer Michael Wilkinson arms her with. Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 23 Apr. 2025 Most of the other friends will feign interest and offer complimentary comments about the design. Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 May 2025 Pro Football Talk reported that a third player received a different sham call, this one feigning that he had been traded. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 29 Apr. 2025 His previous four league assists have also all come from not feigning one way or another, but simply going on the outside and crossing with his left foot. Art De Roché, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for feign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feign
Verb
  • The show then cut over to a Good Morning America clip that sees Haines pretend to faint when the superhero swings into frame.
    Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 26 June 2025
  • Have you ever been contacted by someone pretending to be Elon Musk?
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2025
Verb
  • Caterpillar has invested significantly in smart sensors for real-time machine monitoring, Ford simulates assembly lines to detect bottlenecks before implementing real-world updates, and GE used autonomous mobile robots to increase throughput in its medical equipment repair center.
    Kristen Waggoner, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025
  • These exercises simulate real-world ransomware attack scenarios, allowing teams to practice their response, uncover weaknesses in security posture, refine communication protocols and build confidence, all without requiring new tools or costly technology investments.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
Verb
  • Some may assume that losing teeth is just part of growing older.
    Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 22 June 2025
  • This is assuming that the plants in question are ones that need full sun.
    Dr. Matthew Lisy, Hartford Courant, 21 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Feign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feign. Accessed 2 Jul. 2025.

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