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
Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
When match officials placed a more-than-three-foot-tall trophy in the middle of the ring, Ali grabbed it and feigned running away with it.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 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
This week on Raw, Lynch and Rollins feigned those communication issues to allow Lynch to execute a cheap attack on Lee.
—Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
When match officials placed a more-than-three-foot-tall trophy in the middle of the ring, Ali grabbed it and feigned running away with it.
—Vann R. Newkirk Ii, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feigned
Adjective
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The silhouette is perfectly slouchy, and the wide sleeves and mock neckline add drama.—
Nusrat Sultana,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Oct. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Methanol is an industrial chemical that can cause nerve and liver damage and is sometimes found in fake or poorly distilled alcohol.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
5 Oct. 2025
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Aside from games like volleyball and dominoes, Gach says some children stage fake ambushes on one another while pretending to be government forces or rebel fighters.—
Juliana Kim,
NPR,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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In Week 6 of the TSSAA football season, Brentwood Academy junior edge-rusher Kenneth Simon II registered a sack against Ensworth and formed his hands into a circle, then pretended to roll a pair of dice.—
Tyler Palmateer,
Nashville Tennessean,
2 Oct. 2025
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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
Adjective
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Qatar is deepening its presence in Egypt after more than a decade of strained ties.—
Manal Albarakati,
semafor.com,
6 Oct. 2025
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Reports about father and son’s strained relationship have been everywhere of late.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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For some Obamacare beneficiaries, premiums are expected to more than double, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation (aka KFF), a nonprofit health care research organization.—
Todd Spangler,
Freep.com,
4 Oct. 2025
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On the morning of June 3, Pandora's mother, Simone Kjolsrud, told The Republic that on May 26, the pair were victims of a double homicide while the teens were on a camping trip.—
Julie Mendes,
AZCentral.com,
3 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The relative then spied a dead dog on an interstate nearby, and assumed the canine was Randy since both dogs had the same shading.—
TJ Macias,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 Oct. 2025
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Scientists have long assumed that dark energy is a constant, unchanging entity.—
Chris Young,
Interesting Engineering,
3 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Evaluating defamation claims where the report contains demonstrably false factual assertions.—
Tim Reynolds,
Fortune,
3 Oct. 2025
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However, as several independent experts interviewed by NPR note, that claim is false.—
Scott Neuman,
NPR,
3 Oct. 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 10 Oct. 2025.
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