as in pretending
to present a false appearance of
in public they pass for being a loving couple, but in reality they are only friends
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passing (for)
Verb
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City Hall needs to stop pretending the job is getting done and just do it.—
Boston Herald editorial staff,
Boston Herald,
7 Mar. 2026 -
Scammers are sending emails to residents involved in planning, zoning or land-use applications pretending to be Forest Lake city planning and zoning staff members, the city said Friday.—
Kristi Miller,
Twin Cities,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
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To get each trooper up to speed on the new devices, state police used virtual reality training aids that take police through scenarios simulating potential real-life situations that can rise to the level of a Taser being used or those that may require lethal force.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
5 Mar. 2026
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This digital sleep aid is designed to wake you up gently and naturally by simulating sunrise light.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
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From looks alone, you’d be forgiven for assuming the Grand America Hotel was nestled somewhere in the European Alps, as opposed to Salt Lake City’s Wasatch Rockies.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
10 Mar. 2026
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But for a non-clairvoyant Bush II administration, assuming WMD under Saddam Hussein seemed the responsible thing.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Our focus is on putting on a terrific tournament this summer that continues to make a positive impact in our community and shines a spotlight on all the great things happening in Detroit.—
Jack Springgate,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
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Slipping into this two-piece set is basically the equivalent of putting on your favorite pair of silky, soft pajamas.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Feb. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Passing (for).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passing%20%28for%29. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
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