pretend
verb (used with object)
to cause or attempt to cause (what is not so) to seem so.
had pretended
-
past perfectof pretend.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
Charlotte, who has lived in London her whole life, had pretended she was from Abergavenny, in Monmouthshire, and put on a Welsh accent throughout the series.
From BBC ● Jan. 25, 2025
Garland also made clear that Binance employees had not only violated U.S. laws around financial-service registration, but had pretended to comply while acknowledging privately they were doing nothing of the sort.
From Slate ● Nov. 21, 2023
We explore the corners of our minds we had pretended don’t exist.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 14, 2023
For years, Mr. Rowe had pretended to be ultraloyal to the regime as he moved up the military ranks, racking up dozens of combat flights.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 6, 2023
He had a lecture in two hours but had insisted on taking her to Enugu airport, and although she had pretended to protest, she wanted him to.
From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
