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
Relevance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for passing (for)
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
This digital sleep aid is designed to wake you up gently and naturally by simulating sunrise light.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
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.
Cite this Entry
“Passing (for).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/passing%20%28for%29. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
