Pretend

Quick meaning: Pretend is a verb meaning (intransitive or with 'that' clause or 'to' infinitive) To speak or behave so as to give a false or simulated appearance.

Meaning

(intransitive or with 'that' clause or 'to' infinitive) To speak or behave so as to give a false or simulated appearance.

More Meanings

1. (intransitive with 'to', formal, originally transitive) To lay claim (to an ability, status, advantage, etc.).
2. (transitive, obsolete) To hold before, or put forward, as a cloak or disguise for something else; to exhibit as a veil for something hidden.
3. (transitive, obsolete) To intend; to design, to plot; to attempt.
4. (transitive, obsolete) To hold before one; to extend.
5. Not really what it is represented as being; imaginary, feigned.
6. (childish, informal) The act of engaging in pretend play.

Example Sentences

You don't have to pretend to like the soup.

To get into the club, he pretended to be over 18.

You don't have to pretend that the soup tastes fine.

If you don't like it, say so. You don't have to pretend.

Word Forms

• pretends
• pretending
• pretended

Synonyms for pretend

Depending on context, synonyms include mimic, affect, sham, play, act, feign.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include feign, make-believe, sham, dissemble, affect, play.

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