pretend
verb (used with object)
to cause or attempt to cause (what is not so) to seem so.
has been pretending
-
present perfect progressiveof pretend (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Before Friedrich comes into the picture, Simon, the Duke of Hastings, has been pretending to court Daphne so that London’s ambitious matrons will leave him alone.
From Slate ● Feb. 15, 2021
Gary Neville has been pretending to disappear, but there is a palpable unease behind the easy laughs about overexcited scousers.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 27, 2020
Dr. Phil A woman who catfishes tells why she has been pretending to be a man online for so long and meets the man whose photo she's been using.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 15, 2018
Lloyd has been pretending to be comatose for 20 years, all for the sake of a gotcha moment, which Harry fully enjoys.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 13, 2014
And as for pretending—well, there has been pretending enough.
From Mary-'Gusta by Lincoln, Joseph Crosby
