pretend

[US]/prɪˈtend/
[UK]/prɪˈtend/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

v. disguise, act as if; (when playing a game) dress up as, pretend to be; claim to be
adj. pretending, imaginary (especially used by children)

Example Sentences

pretend to the throne

pretend money; pretend pearls.

the pretender to the throne.

doesn't pretend to be an expert.

pretend that nothing's the matter.

he cannot pretend to sophistication.

pretends to gourmet tastes.

Let's pretend we're cats.

feign authorship of a novel.See Synonyms at pretend

simulate interest.See Synonyms at pretend

he pretended it was a casual meeting.

children pretending to be grown-ups.

He does not pretend to be a genius.

They pretend to be so right-on, but are they really?

pretended they were on a cruise.

I cannot pretend to say that you are wrong.

a pretended interest in the proceedings.

the pretended heir to the throne.

He pretended not to know the facts.

Many people pretend that they understand modern art.

Real-world Examples

We pretend to work and managers pretend to believe us.

Source: The Economist (Summary)

He pretended to be straightening the cushion pile.

Source: 5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

And it's not like I can pretend.

Source: Modern Family - Season 03

What's unsafe is pretending the status quo is acceptable.

Source: CNN 10 Student English of the Month

My secret? Merlin, don't pretend. I know what you did.

Source: The Legend of Merlin

And do you see that septa pretending to read her book?

Source: Game of Thrones (Season 1)

Many people on Twitter have been pretending to be Elon Musk.

Source: NPR News Compilation November 2022

Role-play is basically when you pretend to be someone or something else.

Source: The secret to keeping conversations from falling flat.

A lot of them aren't even pretending to be in charge.

Source: NPR News May 2020 Compilation

Oh man, maybe I could just pretend to be a popular kid.

Source: MBTI Personality Types Guide

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