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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of feigned
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
Contrary to Camp Cuomo’s feigned ignorance, the absence of criminal charges in no way suggests that Cuomo is innocent.
—Erica Vladimer, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2025
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
Time and again, when presented with the misdeeds of his friends, allies, subordinates, and appointees, Adams has feigned, at most, mild surprise.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Adjective
The White Lotus as a whole is generally on the side of honesty over feigned politeness, but Laurie is going so nuclear, so quickly, that perhaps this will turn out to be an exception.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
Contrary to Camp Cuomo’s feigned ignorance, the absence of criminal charges in no way suggests that Cuomo is innocent.
—Erica Vladimer, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
That lack of confidence is charming and funny; when the experts on With Love, Meghan mess up, their humility feels feigned and unnatural, but Martin’s embarrassment only motivates everyone to help him out.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
Time and again, when presented with the misdeeds of his friends, allies, subordinates, and appointees, Adams has feigned, at most, mild surprise.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feigned
Adjective
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Learners also engaged in mock sales calls with members of the Hawks’ sales staff, receiving real-time feedback in small breakout rooms.—
Ryan Stowers,
Forbes.com,
16 Sep. 2025
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Analysts Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo in their latest 2026 mock draft have Peterson edging out BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Tennessee’s Nate Ament for the top spot.—
Gary Bedore,
Kansas City Star,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Colbert made several jokes about needing a job and even brought a fake resume with a youthful headshot of himself.—
Rosa Escandon,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
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The Nepalese government, citing concerns over fake accounts, hate speech, disinformation and fraud, said the measures were to ensure accountability and make operators responsible for content on their platforms.—
Nir Kshetri,
The Conversation,
14 Sep. 2025
Verb
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True desires were revealed during the blackout, as Chuck pretended to be Blair's British boyfriend, Marcus.—
Emily Exton,
Entertainment Weekly,
19 Sep. 2025
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Hortman, her husband, Mark, and their dog were killed at their house on June 14 by a gunman who pretended to be law enforcement, according to authorities.—
Kimberlee Speakman,
PEOPLE,
16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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One of the main challenges facing the economy is the strained relationship between Beijing and Washington as disputes over technology and geopolitics mount.—
Nino Paoli,
Fortune,
15 Sep. 2025
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Photothek via Getty Images Against the backdrop of a strained labour market, many workers feel obliged to overperform.—
Alliance Manchester Business School,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The score remained that way until the eighth when Ramírez sparked a two-out rally with a double.—
Betsy Helfand,
Twin Cities,
20 Sep. 2025
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Guzman drew a leadoff walk, Bryce Teodosio singled and Nolan Schanuel drove them both in with a double to right.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
20 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Some might have assumed at first that this woman was just an influencer dabbling in rap.—
Rob Sheffield,
Rolling Stone,
19 Sep. 2025
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And Lupita wants people to know her feelings about Daniel are the opposite of what some fans assumed based on a long-running joke about not liking him.—
Sarah Jones,
PEOPLE,
18 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The false assurance was more than a slip.—
Eric Tucker,
Twin Cities,
13 Sep. 2025
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Robinson, the founder of the now-defunct anti-immigration English Defence League (EDL), was released from prison earlier this year, having been jailed for being in contempt of court by repeating false accusations about a Syrian refugee.—
Catherine Nicholls,
CNN Money,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The pop of color offers a shimmer-free (rare!) means of warming up a wedding look and works equally well at lip level.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
12 Aug. 2025
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By After Testing Over 30 Best Sellers By Siena Gagliano Unlike balms, which can make lip color slide around, a primer locks it in while keeping lips soft and comfortable.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
2 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Feigned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feigned. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
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