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
Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Fey and Poehler interrupted the host’s monologue, much to his (feigned) surprise, and critiqued his joke telling.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025
Behind the feigned admiration lurks a depth charge of judgement or criticism.
—John Bowe, Contributor, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
Sugarcane repeats Obama’s feigned concern for the plight of indigenous people that first worked magic in 2008, an America-last doc about Canada’s Sugarcane reserve.
—Armond White, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Adjective
In a moment of feigned indignation, Sandler threatened to storm out of the ceremony, which prompted O'Brien to apologize for his attack.
—Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Fey and Poehler interrupted the host’s monologue, much to his (feigned) surprise, and critiqued his joke telling.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025
Behind the feigned admiration lurks a depth charge of judgement or criticism.
—John Bowe, Contributor, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
Sugarcane repeats Obama’s feigned concern for the plight of indigenous people that first worked magic in 2008, an America-last doc about Canada’s Sugarcane reserve.
—Armond White, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feigned
Adjective
-
The couple misspelled words a few times during their mock challenge against him.—
Joey Nolfi Published,
EW.com,
2 June 2025
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For instance, Martinez explained, the program provides an experiential understanding of the workings of city government in a day when participants take on roles in a mock city council meeting with the mayor.—
Nicole Gregory,
Oc Register,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
There’s a backdrop of fake news and collective anxiety.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
5 June 2025
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Federal agents concluded that many of the documents, which were turned over by an attorney representing the restaurant, were fake or falsified, according to the warrant.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2025
Verb
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The newly vegan sister-in-law then called the caterer and pretended to be the bride, adding five new vegan options and approving a $1,500 charge.—
Virginia Chamlee,
People.com,
4 Mar. 2025
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Josef and Rosemarie raised three of Elisabeth's children, who Josef pretended Elisabeth left on their doorstep, while Elisabeth was forced to raise three of her children in a locked underground compound without windows.—
Jessica Sager,
People.com,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Coulombe has been out since May 5 with a strained left forearm.—
Aaron Gleeman,
New York Times,
7 June 2025
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The official synopsis for Father Mother Sister Brother reads: Estranged siblings reunite after years apart, forced to confront unresolved tensions and reevaluate their strained relationships with their emotionally distant parents.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
6 June 2025
Adjective
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In 2012, Julie Chrisley, the daughter of a Baptist minister, leaned into the strength of their family and faith after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a double masectomy as part of the treatment.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
29 May 2025
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The 29-year-old was a crucial player in Leverkusen’s undefeated 2023/24 domestic campaign, which ended with the club winning the double consisting of the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal.—
Manuel Veth,
Forbes.com,
29 May 2025
Verb
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When Newcastle received an influx of cash from a sovereign wealth fund, fans assumed a legion of superstars would lead them to Champions League glory.—
Brett Koremenos,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
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Landry said early release, which until now has been typically assumed when judges hand down sentences, is a slap in the face to crime victims.—
Richard A. Webster,
ProPublica,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The couple was convicted in 2022 of conspiring to defraud banks out of more than $30 million in loans by submitting false documents.—
Eric Tucker,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
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His career was on a steady rise until a series of accusations and investigations in the mid-2000s — including tax evasion, fraud and making false statements — landed him in prison.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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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
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For lip color, reach for the Merit Beauty Signature lipsticks.—
Loren Savini,
Allure,
22 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Feigned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feigned. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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