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
Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
Known for inciting people of many backgrounds to pretend to long to be Irish for day, March 17 in Connecticut is generally considered a day to celebrate, drink green beer and eat corned beef or green bagels.
—Maureen Murphy, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025
Alana Bracken, Parents, 28 Feb. 2025
What are the best play kitchens for kids? Play kitchens are popular with all kinds of children as an excellent vehicle for pretend play, whether playing solo, with other kids or adults.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretend
Verb
But in an age when directors pretend in interviews that everything is done practically, and either deny the use of CGI or downplay its contribution, the stunt community’s fight for recognition has been largely embraced by their bosses.
—Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 11 Apr. 2025
Known for inciting people of many backgrounds to pretend to long to be Irish for day, March 17 in Connecticut is generally considered a day to celebrate, drink green beer and eat corned beef or green bagels.
—Maureen Murphy, Hartford Courant, 14 Mar. 2025
Adjective
Through pretend play, cooperative games, or storytelling, kids can explore different perspectives and practice kindness.
—Alana Bracken, Parents, 28 Feb. 2025
What are the best play kitchens for kids? Play kitchens are popular with all kinds of children as an excellent vehicle for pretend play, whether playing solo, with other kids or adults.
—Bestreviews, The Mercury News, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretend
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretend
Verb
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However, the rising demand for financial aid and the decline in international applications pose significant challenges.—
Scott White,
Forbes,
15 Mar. 2025
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Habitat disturbances, including tourism, fertilizer collection, and limestone mining, pose significant threats to its survival, which is why it is listed as ‘near threatened‘ on International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
15 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile, in a tentative ruling issued on Thursday, denied CBS’ bid for a court order that would’ve temporarily blocked Sony’s efforts from assuming distribution.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
10 Apr. 2025
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And there’s usually some wiggle room, a premium being paid to reap future opportunities or a discount to assume some risk.—
Evan Clark,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Roughly 1,600 square feet includes just one bedroom—a primary suite with a faux living wall and access to a wraparound balcony—but the open-plan great room comes with a handy Murphy bed for guests.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
10 Apr. 2025
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Leather or faux leather are both common suspects for luxury crossbody phone bags, but there are also alternatives made with recycled, easy-to-clean nylon, suede, canvas, and beyond.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The Emmy Award-winner plays the Black woman stand-in for a white male protagonist in an imaginary story to repurpose the popularity of a once successful Keyworth Pictures’ franchise.—
Malik Peay,
Essence,
17 Apr. 2025
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Perception Of Threat: In situations of aggression, whether real or imaginary, a natural response is to fight back.—
Naira Velumyan,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The trio finished with a 4-1 lead in shots and 10 hits between them while playing predominantly against the Stars’ second and fourth lines.—
Murat Ates,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
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The chaotic Cardinals-Pirates play.—
Ken Rosenthal,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
Verb
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At the same time, AI tools can simulate these attacks so security teams can identify and address organizational vulnerabilities before an actual attack takes place.—
David Henkin,
Forbes.com,
8 Apr. 2025
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In early February, New Shepard successfully simulated the moon's low gravity on board its capsule during a brief flight.—
Eric Lagatta,
USA Today,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Expect more fake eggs made of colored marshmallows or even potatoes on this year’s Easter spread With egg prices stubbornly high, the internet has offered up a host of alternatives, with crafters painting rocks and influencers dyeing everything from marshmallows to potatoes.—
William Lambers,
Hartford Courant,
18 Apr. 2025
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This dog sofa features furniture-quality construction, with fake leather upholstery, memory foam internal padding and legs to hold it off the floor.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Amid the audience laughter at a lecture, U.S. Navy oceanographer Robert Ballard bit his tongue and told the questioner the jewelry was fictitious.—
Terry Collins,
USA Today,
14 Apr. 2025
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Searches were carried out in France and Belgium last month to determine if his Belgian tax domicile was fictitious.—
Saskya Vandoorne,
CNN,
24 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pretend.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretend. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.
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