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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of pretend
Arpon Basu, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Apparently, someone somehow got access to Sanders's phone which was only supposed to receive calls from NFL general managers, and the person pretended to be Saints GM Mickey Loomis.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
The Learning Resources Calculator Cash Register includes 30 pretend bills, 40 plastic coins, a pretend credit card, and more.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretend
Verb
Wilson was captured by TV cameras mocking the Canadiens by pretending to cry.
—Arpon Basu, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Apparently, someone somehow got access to Sanders's phone which was only supposed to receive calls from NFL general managers, and the person pretended to be Saints GM Mickey Loomis.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Bradford then pops Welch's pretend belly waking her up from that dream.
—Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 25 Mar. 2025
The Learning Resources Calculator Cash Register includes 30 pretend bills, 40 plastic coins, a pretend credit card, and more.
—Katrina Cossey, Parents, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretend
Verb
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Trump first posed the idea of overhauling FEMA while visiting North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in January.—
Simmone Shah,
Time,
2 May 2025
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John Ratcliffe, the CIA director, has pledged to make the threat posed by China a top priority and vowed to expand the agency’s focus on Beijing.—
Nectar Gan,
CNN Money,
2 May 2025
Verb
-
McBride wrote the premiere’s cold open — in which Elijah murders a preacher while robbing his collection box, then assumes his identity — several years ago.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
5 May 2025
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Outside of any current 118 members, and assuming we aren’t cruelly subjected to more of that racist clown Gerrard, the station’s next captain remains anybody’s guess.—
Andy Swift,
TVLine,
5 May 2025
Adjective
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Push your chairs and couches together to create a faux sectional look.—
Claire Hoppe Norgaard,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Apr. 2025
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And while both traditional and faux leather-making processes involve chemicals, PVC can release pollutants and toxic chemicals.—
Gia Yetikyel,
Vogue,
26 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This means flopping through different symbolic rooms of an imaginary house — a schtick that Danielle Deadwyler also had to do for the same reason in The Woman in the Yard, a movie that might still be playing when Thunderbolts* hits the cineplex.—
Jordan Hoffman,
EW.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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The deeper themes about race and history and culture, as well as the sheer terror and excitement, all feed audiences craving to confront our demons and fears, but in a safe imaginary setting – all the more important when those fears increasingly stalk the daytime for so many people.—
Mark Hughes,
Forbes.com,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Still, Ordine thinks most wagering on the conclave is likely to happen informally among friends, similar to the squares people play for the Super Bowl.—
Marc Ramirez,
USA Today,
4 May 2025
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Photo: Michael Roberts/Maconochie Photography There’s a lot to play for, this coming Monday, in conceptualizing a look that celebrates the message.—
Anna Cafolla,
Vogue,
3 May 2025
Verb
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Using a mathematical model, the study authors simulated how different sodium-to-potassium ratios affected bodily systems, including the renal system (kidneys), cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal system.—
Alisa Hrustic,
Health,
1 May 2025
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The test facility is equipped with a dozen jet fans, each almost as tall as the workers who run them and powerful enough to simulate a Category 5 hurricane.—
Amal Elawady,
The Conversation,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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With digital platforms flooded with bots and fake numbers, Kerns built his following and client base by offering true engagement, authority, and working systems.—
Rhiannon Frater,
USA Today,
1 May 2025
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Swatting is when a 911 call is made, usually to report a fake violent crime, to get police and sometimes even SWAT teams, to respond to the address given by the caller.—
Jackson Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
It’s been a full decade since Poot Lovato had her last taste of freedom — and according to Demi Lovato, the hilarious, fictitious alter ego is staying locked up for many decades more.—
Hannah Dailey,
Billboard,
22 Apr. 2025
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Officers of the court have a duty of candor to the court and an obligation not to file fictitious lawsuits that have no basis in fact or law.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
21 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretend. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
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