1
as in to pose
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 & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in to assume
to present a false appearance of
as if I would ever pretend illness just to take off a day from work
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in faux
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 & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in imaginary
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 & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pretend
Tazheen Nizam,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 June 2026
The leaders who thrive won't be the ones who pretend to know exactly what's coming.
—
Laurel Donnellan,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
Rebecca Flint Marx,
SELF,
20 Apr. 2026
In Silky Smooth, Liao explores the chaotic stages of adulthood, scheduling fun plans with tired friends, the unfair treatment of single people, being attracted to silly men, and the fear of being a role model to her pretend children.
—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretend
Verb
Our fear resurfaced days ago on the one-month anniversary, when another alert was issued after a man circled the Islamic Center pretending to possess an explosive device while displaying a Nazi flag.
—
Tazheen Nizam,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 June 2026
The leaders who thrive won't be the ones who pretend to know exactly what's coming.
—
Laurel Donnellan,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
Adjective
Another uses a play food container from a child’s pretend kitchen.
—
Rebecca Flint Marx,
SELF,
20 Apr. 2026
In Silky Smooth, Liao explores the chaotic stages of adulthood, scheduling fun plans with tired friends, the unfair treatment of single people, being attracted to silly men, and the fear of being a role model to her pretend children.
—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretend
Verb
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Large friendship groups can be a really cool experience, but can also pose challenges in terms of the depths of intimacy that can be cultivated with each person.
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From downtown Los Angeles to the San Gabriel Valley, tens of thousands were enveloped in unhealthful levels of smoke, even as some local officials told residents that the air posed no danger.
Verb
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Sweden loses key piece The first half was a sloppy slugfest as both teams tried to use their physicality to assume control.
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John Murphy, president and chief financial officer, will assume the responsibilities in the interim, according to an announcement.
Adjective
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Inside, a memory foam insole with arch support cushions every step, and the soft faux leather molds to your ideal fit over time.
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The white interior and faux leather are also available in Overland and reviewed Limited trims.
Adjective
-
In an age of visual and underground detection, why am I delayed at a traffic signal waiting for an imaginary vehicle to enter the intersection?
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This was long before the days of mo-cap or green screens, and acting with imaginary scene partners was far from the norm.
Verb
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Win prizes playing interactive games, network with artists and entrepreneurs and enjoy signature drinks and bar snacks available for purchase.
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Men leaders can pay attention to and be mindful of who in the workplace may be playing more of an emotional support role that falls outside their job description.
Verb
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But there’s no way to simulate all the variables of real life, particularly the weather.
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Instead of developing multiple aircraft designs or conducting thousands of expensive flight tests, engineers can simulate those scenarios digitally and rapidly iterate on designs.
Adjective
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First was a Drug Enforcement Administration badge and ID with Horsch’s photo on it, but the ID was fake, and Horsch has never worked for the DEA, according to court documents.
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This game preserves the difficulty of coming up with an elaborate, consistent false narrative on the spot, and the challenge of adapting that narrative on the fly when other players present convincing (and sometimes fake) counter-evidence.
Adjective
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The book traces the fictitious Yeoman family’s evolution over generations from self-sufficient homesteaders to participants in global markets.
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Hosting its usual presentation at its headquarters, located a stone’s throw from San Babila square, the brand installed video walls that broadcast a fictitious runway show created with the help of AI.
Cite this Entry
“Pretend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretend. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.
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