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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The Buffs, who open spring ball Monday, are full-speed ahead at pretending 2025 didn’t happen — so much so, in fact, that nearly half the roster, both coordinators and a chunk of the coaching staff are brand new.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
28 Feb. 2026 -
At one point, a woman pretending to be the White House press secretary held a mock press conference while sporting Fake News buttons and what appeared to be a fake baby bump.—
Toluse Olorunnipa,
The Atlantic,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In large cage experiments simulating natural populations, the gene drive spread to nearly 100% of mosquitoes and caused complete population collapse within 7 to 11 generations.—
Srishti Gupta,
Interesting Engineering,
27 Feb. 2026
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This key test involves loading the rocket with fuel, preparing the capsule that will house the Artemis II crew for the duration of the mission for launch, and simulating a launch countdown.—
Claire Cameron,
Scientific American,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In a market as economically diverse as Miami, this threshold is worth checking before assuming drug costs are fixed.—
Allison Palmer
March 3,
Miami Herald,
3 Mar. 2026
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Zillow’s affordability target price is based on house payments — excluding taxes and insurance and assuming a 20% down payment — that equal 30% of the local median income.—
Jonathan Lansner,
Oc Register,
3 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 4 Mar. 2026.
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