1
as in poses
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
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2
as in assumes
to present a false appearance of
as if I would ever pretend illness just to take off a day from work
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of pretends
Charlie, a charming student, agrees to help if Avery pretends to be her girlfriend to make an ex jealous.
—
Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Belly sees Conrad at the rehearsal dinner and pretends to ignore him.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
The 22-year-old USC grad pretends to be working in a New York City shop, perfecting the design on the Kobe 3 when Brunson, an interested customer, walks in.
—Natasha Dye, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
She’s relieved, at first, when Warhol pretends not to recognize her.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2025
An actor, generally an adult, pretends to be inhabited by someone totally different from him or herself (generally a kid).
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
Belly sees Conrad at the rehearsal dinner and pretends to ignore him.
—Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025
The 22-year-old USC grad pretends to be working in a New York City shop, perfecting the design on the Kobe 3 when Brunson, an interested customer, walks in.
—Natasha Dye, People.com, 19 Aug. 2025
She’s relieved, at first, when Warhol pretends not to recognize her.
—Damon Wise, Deadline, 19 Aug. 2025
An actor, generally an adult, pretends to be inhabited by someone totally different from him or herself (generally a kid).
—Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 5 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretends
Verb
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More wild animals are getting infected with rabies, which poses a public health threat, officials warn.—
Shiv Sudhakar,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
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Even though the comet poses no threat to Earth, the world's astronomers and space agencies are racing to harness a rare opportunity to study planetary material that formed from another star.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Here, Jake Gyllenhaal assumes the iconic role of Dalton — originally played by Patrick Swayze in 1989 — a former UFC fighter who takes a bouncer gig at Florida's rowdy Double Deuce joint.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
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Despite having what one assumes is the pick of the litter with A-list celebrities willing to lend their insights on McCartney, Wings and the Beatles, Neville wisely chooses to keep the outside voices to a minimum.—
Caleb Hammond,
IndieWire,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Star actor Ólafur Darri Ólafsson who plays the charismatic chef and ex-convict trying to rebuild his life and reputation, will attend the Spanish event, next to co-writers and producers Jónas Margeir Ingólfsson and Hörður Rúnarsson of Act4.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
9 Sep. 2025
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George Clooney plays the titular protagonist, a famous movie actor who embarks on a journey of self-discovery confronting both his past and present, accompanied by his devoted manager Ron (Adam Sandler).—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Across the room, a tube is hooked up to another dummy and connected to a machine that simulates bleeding.—
Beth Warren,
The Tennessean,
21 Aug. 2025
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The design simulates some key aspects of human perception and behavior, says Daniel Cervone, a professor of psychology specializing in personality theory at the University of Illinois Chicago.—
Webb Wright,
Scientific American,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Dehydration may be involved, as alcohol acts as a diuretic, like caffeine.—
Colleen Doherty,
Verywell Health,
8 Sep. 2025
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Crowe, in contrast, acts with consummate command even as Göring, by design, keeps the audience at arm’s length.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Someone who’s really living the Andrew Tate-like lifestyle Jacob only feigns is his bestie Cameron (Dylan Playfair).—
Dennis Harvey,
Variety,
7 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretends. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
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