pretend
verb (used with object)
to cause or attempt to cause (what is not so) to seem so.
have been pretending
-
present perfect progressiveof pretend.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.
An Iraqi security source told the AFP news agency that the attacker appeared to have been pretending to be making a food delivery.
From BBC ● Apr. 26, 2024
“We are hearing that the Kachin rebels have been pretending their civilians and that’s why we have to verify the civilians very carefully,” he told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
From Washington Times ● May 8, 2018
To go after an umpire -- who, after all, was not going to change his mind and who might eject Acta from the game -- would have been pretending to be something he was not.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 9, 2010
"I have been pretending, all my life; I have been dishonest; it is you that have made me so!"
From The Europeans by James, Henry
I must have been pretending," answered Yates drowsily; "I can't have dropped asleep.
From In the Midst of Alarms by Barr, Robert
