pretend
verb (used with object)
to cause or attempt to cause (what is not so) to seem so.
are pretending
-
present progressiveof pretend.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
“Many Italians are pretending it’s not really happening.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 4, 2026
And now some scam artists are pretending to be the police.
From MarketWatch ● May 22, 2026
Both are pretending to be delighted and easily confused.
From Slate ● Feb. 25, 2026
They’re up against a wall of their own making, and are pretending that they have something better.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 17, 2025
We reach the corner of his house, and I can tell that my sisters are pretending not to be watching us.
From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi
