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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of feigned
Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026
Though shrouded in feigned care for the wrongful death of an unborn child, HB 289 and HB 663 will have horrific effects on women, their families and all medical professionals working in gynecology and obstetrics.
—Eleanor Sobel, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Of particular concern, the organization took steps to hide its money in shell political action committees and coordinated donations via individual donors while the candidates who benefited often feigned ignorance about enormous donations and expenditures.
—Jesse Jackson Jr, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Adjective
At that exact moment, the album shifts gears, exchanging feigned authenticity for an honest search for meaning.
—Hannah Jocelyn, Pitchfork, 20 Feb. 2026
Though shrouded in feigned care for the wrongful death of an unborn child, HB 289 and HB 663 will have horrific effects on women, their families and all medical professionals working in gynecology and obstetrics.
—Eleanor Sobel, Sun Sentinel, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
The complaint alleges that district personnel’s concern over asbestos exposure was feigned to justify disciplining Rupert.
—Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 15 Apr. 2026
Of particular concern, the organization took steps to hide its money in shell political action committees and coordinated donations via individual donors while the candidates who benefited often feigned ignorance about enormous donations and expenditures.
—Jesse Jackson Jr, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feigned
Adjective
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His mock draft range has been all over the place, from the lottery to Denver’s territory.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
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Look for mock-meat dishes built around tofu and seitan — including bánh mì chay made with tofu — along with fresh spring rolls and phở chay, typically made with mushrooms in place of beef or chicken.—
Lauren Schuster,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2026
Adjective
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Despite the highs, however, there were some low moments in the week — including a near run-in with Scooter Braun and an insult from a radio analyst who deemed Swift a fake Knicks fan.—
Leigh Blickley,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
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To make matters worse, cybercriminals are using fake FIFA sites, bogus ticket offers and phony job ads to scam viewers.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Verb
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King pretended to be dead as Lee tried to wrench open the cash register.—
Nina Giraldo,
CNN Money,
9 June 2026
-
Samara Weaving once pretended to be her lookalike friend, Margot Robbie.—
Hannah Malach,
InStyle,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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Jay has just one hour of oxygen left to forge an escape, applying the knowledge and skill set his late father passed on to him, while also reconciling their strained relationship in the process.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
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The council listened, with strained faces and large eyes.—
Tanya Babbar,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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Frenetic winds robbed Wilyer Abreu of a go-ahead two-run homer in the sixth, but Willson Contreras’ subsequent line drive made contact with the left-field wall for a game-tying RBI double and knocked Schlittler out of the game.—
Gabrielle Starr,
Boston Herald,
7 June 2026
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On Friday, tech stocks led a market bloodbath after the Labor Department’s monthly jobs report showed employers added a net 172,000 jobs last month, nearly double Wall Street forecasts.—
Jason Ma,
Fortune,
7 June 2026
Verb
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Gordon assumed the role in August 2024, after serving for eight years as the head of the National Institute of Mental Health.—
Megan Molteni,
STAT,
5 June 2026
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It was assumed to have been seized by the Nazis in 1938 or later.—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
5 June 2026
Adjective
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Baldoni denied the allegations and maintained that Lively's claims were false.—
Janelle Ash , Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
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Baldoni filed a countersuit in January 2025 for civil extortion, defamation and false light.—
Liza Esquibias,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
Adjective
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Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.—
Caroline Reilly,
Forbes.com,
25 Mar. 2026
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On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.—
Essence,
Essence,
23 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Feigned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feigned. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.
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