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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.

He and Lindsay pretend to be a happily married couple.

From Salon • Apr. 23, 2026

Why not pretend to dine in a medieval castle in Miracle Mile or look for trolls on a fern-filled hike in Griffith Park?

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2026

It comes after a BBC investigation revealed how law firms and advisers are charging thousands of pounds to help migrants pretend to be gay in order to stay in the UK.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

"Diego said that his mother would pretend her stomach hurt so he could eat," he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 2026

I eat a few more bites of pizza and pretend not to watch for Jonah.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison

Vocabulary lists containing pretend

"Eleven"

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"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!