Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
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.

"The masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is not enough to rebuild," he said on Thursday.

From BBC • Apr. 16, 2026

The legal adviser also suggested the undercover reporter would need to find someone willing to pretend to be his male partner.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

“It would be disingenuous to pretend AI doesn’t change the mix of skills we need or the number of roles required in certain areas. It does,” said Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

“It would be disingenuous to pretend AI doesn’t change the mix of skills we need or the number of roles required in certain areas. It does.”

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Now he wants us to go on a pretend date, which is ridiculous, and his calling it “practice” makes it perfectly, officially clear that he does not see me in the least bit romantically.

From "Legendary Frybread Drive-In" by Cynthia Leitich Smith

Vocabulary lists containing pretend

"Eleven"

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"Eleven," Vocabulary from the short story

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

"Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" by Lewis Carroll, Chapters 1–3

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!