Synonyms of pretends

pretends

verb

present tense third-person singular of pretend

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

• poses
• plays
• assumes
• acts
• dissembles
• simulates
• makes a show
• professes
• lets on
• masquerades
• dissimulates
• conceals
• makes believe
• fakes
• makes a pretense
• feigns
• impersonates
• makes out
• puts on an act
• disguises
• puts up a front
• affects
• masks
• camouflages
• shams
• counterfeits
• puts on
• playacts
• bluffs
• feints

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

• assumes
• simulates
• professes
• feigns
• affects
• acts
• dissembles
• passes (for)
• conceals
• poses
• makes believe
• fakes
• shams
• imitates
• plays
• puts on
• counterfeits
• forges
• bluffs
• masquerades
• impersonates
• camouflages
• disguises
• masks
• lets on
• dissimulates
• playacts
• feints
• malingers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pretends

Directed by Kim Han-gyul, the film is an adaptation of 2012 Swedish film Cockpit about a pilot who pretends to be his own younger sister after being fired from his job. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026

Everyone pretends the films were chosen purely on merit, but the slate often reads Hollywood with a lanyard and a conscience. — Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026

Here, sometimes you get invited to dinner very quickly, and then, two years later, the person pretends not to know you anymore on the street. — Baptiste Mandrillon, Time, 7 Oct. 2026

Sandy and Leah have drinks with the crew before heading back to the boat, where Sandy jokingly pretends to cook the dinner that Joy left for them. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026

Robin pretends to play with the moon but becomes worried when the moon gets stuck in a tree. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026

This time around, Demna seemed to be speaking more earnestly about glamour and style, and to a customer base that fashion often pretends is not there. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 26 Sep. 2026

Even a tween or teen who pretends not to enjoy Advent calendars anymore can’t resist the allure of discovering which emotional support pal will pop out. — Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026

However, because that group is about 50% white, Dan Le Batard has an issue — or pretends to. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2026