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pretend

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adjective

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Synonym Chooser

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

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

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

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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of pretend
Verb
Kris, 69, then appeared in the video, pretending to scream as her grandchildren sprayed her with even more Silly String. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 14 Sep. 2025 The difference between stoking a civil war and pretending to stoke one is ultimately immaterial. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
In The Deal, an unlikely romance unfolds for music major Hannah and hockey star Garrett, after Hannah agrees to tutor Garrett in exchange for a pretend date. Julia Moore, People.com, 14 Aug. 2025 Details about the recalled Farm to Table play kitchen The Farm to Table play kitchen is designed for pretend play and is intended for children 3 years or older. Chad Murphy, The Enquirer, 5 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pretend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretend
Verb
  • The first photo in the carousel showed Brooks posing with her arms wrapped around her husband-to-be, flashing her ring as the couple posed for the camera in the black-and-white shot.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
  • That's significant because the Environmental Protection Agency cited it in its attempts to roll back its prior finding that greenhouse gases posed a danger to the US public.
    Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Do not assume the AI will necessarily seek to produce quality-level code.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025
  • Gemini tackled the problem by assuming that each reservoir had a priority value, which allowed the model to find the most efficient configuration using a dynamic programming algorithm.
    Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 17 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • There are so many fun home decor in Pottery Barn’s clearance section for less than $50, including candle holders, faux plants, and even (some) bedding.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Particular standouts are a walnut and parchment media console, faux-fur pouf ottomans with an angular chrome base, a unique performance velvet sectional, and a particularly striking set of dining chairs.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Few characters, real or imaginary, have sustained this type of stage and screen presence for so many decades.
    Michael Taube, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
  • But Laura, used to getting away with murder, just neglected Daniel’s imaginary corpse after conjuring it.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Fashion and sociology experts say that, when examining the significance of any bold fashion statement such as Robbie's, context plays an important role.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
  • The Yankees played an integral part in the remembrance of 9/11.
    Ross O'Keefe, The Washington Examiner, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The paper also highlights the potential of digital twins — virtual patient replicas that allow doctors to simulate treatments before applying them in real life.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Today’s use cases are limited, with most work concentrated on simulating chemistry and physics.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Colbert made several jokes about needing a job and even brought a fake resume with a youthful headshot of himself.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The Nepalese government, citing concerns over fake accounts, hate speech, disinformation and fraud, said the measures were to ensure accountability and make operators responsible for content on their platforms.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The mockumentary about a fictitious paper company in Scranton, Pennsylvania aired from 2005 to 2013.
    Lisa Respers France, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025
  • The bad news about this fictitious mountainside hole-in-the-wall?
    Tim McGovern, PEOPLE, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pretend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretend. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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