as in pretending
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 letting on
What happens next could matter far more than either side is letting on.
—
Mark Minevich, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
But if any such expansion plans are in the works, Goldman isn’t letting on.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
But according to renowned astrologer Chani Nicholas, the implications are more complicated than certain media may be letting on.
—Quispe López, Them., 9 Sep. 2025
Mark Minevich, Fortune, 12 Mar. 2026
But if any such expansion plans are in the works, Goldman isn’t letting on.
—Josef Adalian, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
But according to renowned astrologer Chani Nicholas, the implications are more complicated than certain media may be letting on.
—Quispe López, Them., 9 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for letting on
pretending
Verb
-
Marcus Figueroa was stabbed 25 times but survived after pretending to be dead until Ricks left the apartment.—
Michael Dorgan,
FOXNews.com,
12 Mar. 2026
-
City Hall needs to stop pretending the job is getting done and just do it.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Letting on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/letting%20on. Accessed 22 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
