pretend
verb (used with object)
to cause or attempt to cause (what is not so) to seem so.
have pretended
-
present perfectof pretend.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 a separate question about political disquiet, Forbes said that "politicians have pretended to be able to deliver utopia for too long".
From BBC ● Jul. 2, 2026
“They have pretended as though the court didn’t say what it said,” Crayton said.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 20, 2023
There the two men registered with oddly similar names, suggesting they might have pretended to be related to avoid problems with the manager.
From Slate ● Jun. 4, 2019
There is a certain kind of director – usually male, often obnoxious – who commands a film set through being loud and extrovert, who would certainly have pretended to remember me.
From The Guardian ● May 17, 2019
Malcolm wished he hadn’t told her about the man and the thing he’d dropped; if he’d had his wits about him, he could have pretended that he’d been looking for a friend.
From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman
