1
as in to throw (on)
to place on one's person
I put on a coat and shoes to go outside
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to exaggerate
to describe or express in too strong terms
some critics are putting it on when they say it's the best comedy ever made
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to pretend
to present a false appearance of
put on a show of anger just for fun
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in mock
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
a put-on goofy voice
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in pretense
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive
my bravery was all a put-on—I was scared out of my wits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in parody
a work that imitates and exaggerates another work for comic effect
for a moment, I couldn't tell if the commercial was serious or a deadpan put-on of ads by other insurance companies
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 put on
Aris Folley, The Hill, 5 Aug. 2025
Girls would wake up early every day to put on make-up, showing the world their long lashes, cherry lips and velvety cheeks.
—Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2025
Is his tendency to scorn sentimentality on sight a put-on or a character flaw?
—Rhoda Feng, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for put on
Verb
Defense hawks were already upset about the Pentagon being put on a full-year stopgap for the first time ever earlier this year.
—Aris Folley, The Hill, 5 Aug. 2025
Girls would wake up early every day to put on make-up, showing the world their long lashes, cherry lips and velvety cheeks.
—Literary Hub, 4 Aug. 2025
Adjective
What’s more is that their sense of humor doesn’t seem to be any kind of put-on.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2025
Is his tendency to scorn sentimentality on sight a put-on or a character flaw?
—Rhoda Feng, Vulture, 3 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for put on
Recent Examples of Synonyms for put on
Verb
-
Some politicians will always seek to exploit immigration anxieties, exaggerate problems, and spread misinformation.—
Alexander Kustov,
Foreign Affairs,
12 Aug. 2025
-
While there are some potential side effects, people on social media exaggerate or misrepresent the risks.—
Katia Riddle,
NPR,
11 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
The latest text message attacks making headlines (1,2,3) pretend to be from Amazon.—
Zak Doffman,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
The scammer will pretend to be verified customers and leave reviews for the products that are delivered to unsuspecting residents.—
Laura Daniella Sepulveda,
AZCentral.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
To supplement those real-life cases, providers visit simulation labs, do monthly mock scenarios, and review advanced skills, such as using an ultrasound to help guide breathing tubes into patient airways.—
Arielle Zionts. KFF Health News,
CNN Money,
14 Aug. 2025
-
The tin box includes a hinged plastic clear window where a small paper copy of an issue of The Daily Planet, featuring a large photo of Superboy’s canine pal Krypto on the front page with a mock story.—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The two men lured the woman under the pretense of a meeting then beat her to death in the desert because of her gender identity, prosecutors said.—
Maritza Dominguez,
AZCentral.com,
31 July 2025
-
Hoffa's son said the purpose of the meetings was just a pretense to get Hoffa alone to murder him.—
Eric Shawn,
FOXNews.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
The brothers are reuniting for the first time in 18 years to write an original script for the restart of the horror parody franchise, writing and producing the movie alongside Rick Alvarez.—
Katcy Stephan,
Variety,
15 Aug. 2025
-
The back and forth began on Tuesday, Aug. 12, after the parody account shared a picture previously posted by Beckham Jr. on Instagram of him and his son, Zydn Beckham, sitting outside MetLife Stadium.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Just days after Donald Trump’s second presidential win in November, Mamdani donned his dark suit and tie and went to parts of Queens and the Bronx that had seen surprising shifts toward the Republican.—
Mark Chiusano,
Time,
14 Aug. 2025
-
From Las Vegas casinos to Chicago nightclubs, glamoured performers donned eccentric high heels, makeup and headdresses at these shows, though nudity was also common.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
14 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Trump still puts himself on fake magazine covers for validation, but some version of his celebrity and influence — and the attendant and unnerving public scrutiny — is now available to anyone who wants it.—
Leah Asmelash,
CNN Money,
16 Aug. 2025
-
In some cases, scam victims have reached out to fraudsters on fake websites, which look legitimate, in hopes of recovering their funds.—
Kelly Phillips Erb,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, on Gran Roque, pastel facades peek through palm fronds, and barefoot locals steer wooden boats across glassy lagoons.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The front facade of the store at 3736 Broadway Blvd.—
Alexa Stone,
Kansas City Star,
5 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Put on.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/put%20on. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share