Pretend

/pɹəˈtɛnd/ · verb

Meaning

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

Definitions by Sense

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

Example Sentences

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

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

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

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

"After what past at Upton, so soon to engage in a new amour with another woman, while I fancied, and you pretended, your heart was bleeding for me!"

It's rather like a beautiful Inverness cloak one has inherited. Much too good to hide away, so one wears it instead of an overcoat and pretends it's an amusing new fashion.

But I love you / More than I wanted to / There's no point in trying to pretend

You pretend you're high / Pretend you're bored / Pretend you're anything / Just to be adored

Synonyms for pretend

Antonyms for pretend

Related Words

Word Forms

• pretends
• pretending
• pretended

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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