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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But pretending the problem is purely technical misses the point.—
Allen Buchanan,
Oc Register,
31 Jan. 2026 -
Anyway, Amanda brings it up again, pretending to be curious but really just making the distinction known between the other women, who used ghostwriters, and herself, who didn’t but should have.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The hourslong rehearsal involved filling the rocket with more than 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant and simulating each step of the launch countdown as would occur on the actual day.—
Denise Chow,
NBC news,
3 Feb. 2026
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Strong prompts improve decision-making by simulating options quickly.—
Rodger Dean Duncan,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
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But that is what happened on Monday, as 18-year-old James Wilson was thrust into the spotlight, assuming an unlikely leading role on transfer deadline day.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
3 Feb. 2026
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Both Iger and his predecessor, Michael Eisner, began their careers in network television and had extensive Hollywood connections before assuming the CEO perch.—
Josef Adalian,
Vulture,
3 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Someone talking on the phone didn’t wash her hands before putting on gloves.—
David J. Neal,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
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Based on what brands are putting on screen this year, that investment shows up in different ways.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
6 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 8 Feb. 2026.
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