Thesaurus

pretend

Q: How does the verb 'pretend' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pretend are affect , assume , counterfeit , feign , sham , and simulate . While all these words mean "to put on a false or deceptive appearance," pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance. // pretended that nothing had happened

Q: Where would 'affect' be a reasonable alternative to 'pretend'?

In some situations, the words affect and pretend are roughly equivalent. However, affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling. // affected an interest in art

Q: When might 'assume' be a better fit than 'pretend'?

Although the words assume and pretend have much in common, assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive. // assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

Q: In what contexts can 'counterfeit' take the place of 'pretend'?

The meanings of counterfeit and pretend largely overlap; however, counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words. // an actor counterfeiting drunkenness

Q: How does the word 'feign' relate to other synonyms for 'pretend'?

Feign implies more artful invention than pretend , less specific mimicry than simulate . // feigned sickness

Q: When is 'sham' a more appropriate choice than 'pretend'?

The words sham and pretend can be used in similar contexts, but sham implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible. // shammed a most unconvincing limp

Q: When can 'simulate' be used instead of 'pretend'?

While in some cases nearly identical to pretend , simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something. // cosmetics that simulate a suntan

verb

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Synonyms of pretend

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 to take on a false or deceptive appearance

I pretended that I didn't care that my ex had a new man in her life

Synonyms for pretend

Words Related to pretend

bluff,
feint

Phrases Synonymous with pretend

2 to present a false appearance of

as if I would ever pretend illness just to take off a day from work

Synonyms for pretend

Words Related to pretend

forge,
imitate

feint

malinger

Phrases Synonymous with pretend

make believe

pretend

adjective

Synonyms & Antonyms of pretend (Entry 2 of 2)

1 being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials

if you were to see the movie's pretend jewels in real life, you wouldn't be fooled for a minute

Synonyms for pretend

Words Related to pretend

unauthentic

Near Antonyms for pretend

pure,
unadulterated

Antonyms for pretend

2 not real and existing only in the imagination

it's just a pretend gun, so please pretend that I got you and play dead

Synonyms for pretend

Words Related to pretend

Near Antonyms for pretend

palpable,
tangible

Antonyms for pretend

Frequently Asked Questions About pretend

How does the verb pretend contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of pretend are affect, assume, counterfeit, feign, sham, and simulate. While all these words mean "to put on a false or deceptive appearance," pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance.

pretended that nothing had happened

Where would affect be a reasonable alternative to pretend?

In some situations, the words affect and pretend are roughly equivalent. However, affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling.

affected an interest in art

When might assume be a better fit than pretend?

Although the words assume and pretend have much in common, assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive.

assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

In what contexts can counterfeit take the place of pretend?

The meanings of counterfeit and pretend largely overlap; however, counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words.

an actor counterfeiting drunkenness