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.
In response to the criticism, Patel has pretended that his detractors are just jealous of his girlfriend.
From Salon ● Apr. 24, 2026
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
Yet for the most part “West Side Story” on the lyric stage has pretended not to be an opera after all.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 10, 2021
Miniso, for its part, also has to overcome criticism that it has pretended to be a Japanese company since opening its first store in China in 2013.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 5, 2021
“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
