Definitions

pretend

[pri-tend] / prɪˈtɛnd /

VERB

fake, falsify

Synonyms

STRONGEST

assume bluff feign fool impersonate profess purport put on

STRONG

act affect allege beguile cheat claim counterfeit cozen deceive delude dissemble dissimulate dupe fish fudge hoodwink jazz jive malinger masquerade mislead sham simulate stonewall sucker whitewash

WEAK

be deceitful be hypocritical claim falsely fake out lay claim let on make out pass off pass oneself off as put up a front

Antonyms

STRONG

be honest deny reveal tell the truth

VERB

play the part of

Synonyms

STRONGEST

imitate impersonate purport suppose

STRONG

act imagine masquerade mimic play playact portray pose represent reproduce

WEAK

assume the role make as if make believe make out like make up put on a front put on airs put on an act

Antonyms

STRONGEST

be original differ oppose reverse

STRONG

stop

WEAK

be honest tell the truth

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

When our five kids were growing up, I can’t pretend I was at every meal.

From The Wall Street Journal

But elevated diction is one of the facades behind which “Call the Midwife” pretends to be a TV program so gentle and mild.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I lay still, pretending to be dead. I could feel one of the animals snuffling at my head," she said.

From BBC

Fake adverts for weight loss drugs by a company pretending to be health and beauty retailer Boots have been removed from TikTok after the firm complained.

From BBC

He films himself lip-syncing and pretending to play an electronic keyboard, then edits the final video with game footage and transitions.

From The Wall Street Journal

pretend

Example Sentences

Related Words