pretend
verb (used with object)
to cause or attempt to cause (what is not so) to seem so.
has pretended
-
present perfectof pretend (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the 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.
“Not only has he not come up with a plan, he has pretended we don’t need one,” said Patrick Murphy, a professor of public affairs at the University of San Francisco.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 3, 2026
"It has pretended as though the Supreme Court's order said not that they had to facilitate his release from the prison, but instead that they only had to facilitate his re-entry into the United States."
From Salon ● Apr. 19, 2025
He does not care about the things he has pretended to care about in his effort to get out of the deal.
From Slate ● Sep. 12, 2022
I ask Gabby if she has pretended to be pregnant since filming the show last December.
From BBC ● Feb. 14, 2020
“For far too long, Mr. Lemoncello has pretended to be a library lover when, in truth, this was all a clever publicity stunt so he could sell even more of his preposterous games!”
From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein
