1
as in mock
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
the feigned applause that polite people give after a bad concert
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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
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 feigned
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
You are supposed to participate in a pantomime of feigned shock and delayed recognition.
—Bluesky Social, 22 Aug. 2025
Jen Rose Smith, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Adjective
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
You are supposed to participate in a pantomime of feigned shock and delayed recognition.
—Bluesky Social, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
Pioneering journalist Nellie Bly feigned mental illness to gain admittance to the Women’s Lunatic Asylum on Blackwell’s Island in New York (now known as Roosevelt Island) in 1887.
—Jen Rose Smith, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
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
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feigned
Adjective
-
The prelaunch test involves conducting a mock launch countdown and fueling the SLS with 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellants that are later drained.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Lipshutz has covered iconic artists such as Taylor Swift, U2 and Lorde as a music journalist for over a decade, while guiding Billboard‘s editorial strategy across pop and mock music.—
THR Staff,
HollywoodReporter,
20 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
The board cited recent state and federal decisions, which have both noted the issue of AI programs citing fake legal citations is growing.—
William Melhado,
Sacbee.com,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Howze, who has schizophrenia, was also able to escape the hospital following the incident, only to be return a few days later wearing a visitor’s pass with a fake name.—
Colleen Cronin,
Boston Herald,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In late 2025, an East Los Angeles woman shared a message with the public, pleading for the return of a necklace holding her late daughter's ashes, which was stolen when a woman pretended to ask her for directions and hugged her in return.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
21 Jan. 2026
-
Her 9-year-old sister, Mary Katherine Smart, pretended to be asleep as Mitchell threatened her older sister with a knife.—
Chris Boyette,
CNN Money,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Paramount’s most valuable creative asset, Taylor Sheridan, quickly announced his exit after the Skydance merger was complete, citing strained relationships with the new leadership, a desire for more creative control, and disputes over projects.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Roasted beets pair with fresh herbs, fennel, spiced pepitas, and a swoop of strained yogurt.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
12 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
These ones elevate the trend — pun intended — with comfortable platform soles and double side stripe appliqués.—
Jamie Allison Sanders,
PEOPLE,
11 Jan. 2026
-
McDonald's has made the Big Arch — a massive double-patty burger — a permanent menu item in the United Kingdom and Ireland.—
Deirdre Bardolf,
FOXNews.com,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
In the 12 and a half years since Sir Alex Ferguson retired and the two since Sir Jim Ratcliffe assumed control of the club’s football operations, United have evidently not become a better football club.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
10 Jan. 2026
-
That same year, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was created and assumed control of the program.—
Matthew S Williams,
Interesting Engineering,
10 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Plants that provide winter interest, including sedums, goldenrod, blue false indigo, and ornamental grasses.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Today’s teenagers can produce a TikTok video in minutes, but how many of them will learn to analyze the president’s false claim that Tylenol causes autism?—
Mary Ellen Klas,
Twin Cities,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
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
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Feigned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feigned. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
