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.

A lot of people get crafty at Christmas, including kids who pretend they’ve been good all year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cardi B, “Bodega Baddie” I am tired of celebrities pretending that they go to the bodega for street cred: “if you know, you know.”

From Los Angeles Times

There is no more avoiding, no more pretending.

From Salon

They’re up against a wall of their own making, and are pretending that they have something better.

From Los Angeles Times

“I can’t even pretend to understand the challenges victims are going through,” Pizarro said.

From Los Angeles Times

pretend

Example Sentences

Related Words