as in to pretend
to take on a false or deceptive appearance
she's not half as innocent as she likes to let on
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 let on
This episode also serves to shed a more suspicious light on Sophie, who has a history with CPS (Child Protective Services), which implies there's more to her past than she's let on.
—
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 26 July 2025
Even those selling LinkedIn growth expertise aren’t letting on that they’re actually glued to the platform.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
But the mission, dubbed Hail Mary, is far more dire than initially let on — not only is the sun dying, but so are all the stars.
—Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2025
Naturally, Charlie begins nosing around with the encouragement of her new friend, Alex (Patti Harrison), and discovers there’s more to the sweaty gym than lets on.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for let on
Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 26 July 2025
Even those selling LinkedIn growth expertise aren’t letting on that they’re actually glued to the platform.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
But the mission, dubbed Hail Mary, is far more dire than initially let on — not only is the sun dying, but so are all the stars.
—Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2025
Naturally, Charlie begins nosing around with the encouragement of her new friend, Alex (Patti Harrison), and discovers there’s more to the sweaty gym than lets on.
—Matt Minton, Variety, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for let on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for let on
pretend
Verb
-
Which is to say that to dream the impossible dream is one thing, but to pretend that its reality is quite another.—
Ed Simon
September 22,
Literary Hub,
22 Sep. 2025
-
Even the generative AIs that pretend to make new things today are merely regurgitating words, phrases, and pictures that were created and shared by people.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
22 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Let on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/let%20on. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share