Thesaurus results for PRETENDS

pretends

verb

present tense third-person singular of pretend

as in poses

to take on a false or deceptive appearance I pretended that I didn't care that my ex had a new man in her life

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in assumes

to present a false appearance of as if I would ever pretend illness just to take off a day from work

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of pretends Directed by Kim Han-gyul, the film is an adaptation of 2012 Swedish film Cockpit about a pilot who pretends to be his own younger sister after being fired from his job. — Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2026 Everyone pretends the films were chosen purely on merit, but the slate often reads Hollywood with a lanyard and a conscience. — Joseph Kahn, HollywoodReporter, 8 Oct. 2026 Here, sometimes you get invited to dinner very quickly, and then, two years later, the person pretends not to know you anymore on the street. — Baptiste Mandrillon, Time, 7 Oct. 2026 Sandy and Leah have drinks with the crew before heading back to the boat, where Sandy jokingly pretends to cook the dinner that Joy left for them. — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 6 Oct. 2026 Robin pretends to play with the moon but becomes worried when the moon gets stuck in a tree. — Literary Hub, 1 Oct. 2026 This time around, Demna seemed to be speaking more earnestly about glamour and style, and to a customer base that fashion often pretends is not there. — José Criales-Unzueta, Vanity Fair, 26 Sep. 2026 Even a tween or teen who pretends not to enjoy Advent calendars anymore can’t resist the allure of discovering which emotional support pal will pop out. — Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 17 Sep. 2026 However, because that group is about 50% white, Dan Le Batard has an issue — or pretends to. — Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 17 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pretends

Verb

The Gators’ star averaged 150 yards and scored 11 touchdowns, while striking Heisman poses and entering the conversation for the sport’s top individual award.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
But leaders of OpenAI and Anthropic have warned that the technology’s fast development poses serious risks to jobs and human existence.

— Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of poses

Verb

This implicit passivity assumes that technology, rather than people, will determine AI’s impact on work.

— Byron Auguste, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2026
In the novel, likewise, the narrator assumes an almost Homeric guise, comparing current harbor gossip to chatter from the Phoenician, Cretan, Greek, and Roman eras.

— Alex Ross, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of assumes

Verb

After the Longhorns stuffed Jadan Baugh for a 2-yard loss plays later, Jones sold a fake, rolled out and connected with tight end Lacota Dippre for a 7-yard score.

— Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
But Peter O’Toole plays your adviser and has these wonderful speeches about the importance of the monarchy and the spirit of the country.

— Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of plays

Verb

Ray tracing is a rendering technique that simulates how light travels and interacts with surfaces to produce realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows.

— Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Sep. 2026
Here, what lies indoors simulates the beauty of the natural world.

— Carrie Honaker, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Sep. 2026

Definition of simulates

Verb

Dry mode acts as a dehumidifier, removing moisture from the air, and in Eco mode, the compressor and fan run at low speeds to conserve energy.

— John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
Oxygen released from the barrier acts as an etching agent, suppressing unwanted crystal formation.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of acts

Verb

In the following episode, Maggie professes her love to Lizzie.

— Emma Banks, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
The exhibit, which professes to illustrate storytelling through art in its earliest manifestations, is a jarring introduction to a museum that houses 1,300 original works.

— Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of professes

Verb

Linney’s Guardian tries to draw out some resentment from her new candidate, but John expresses (or feigns) sympathy for Hal, who was betrayed by his father figure Sinestro, an experience John likens to his own complicated upbringing.

— Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026
The heavy side part feigns an almost asymmetrical look, which offsets heaviness on the ends and frames the face in a fun way.

— Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 16 June 2026

Definition of feigns

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pretending

pretends

pretense

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“Pretends.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pretends. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pretends

verb

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