pretend
verb (used with object)
to cause or attempt to cause (what is not so) to seem so.
is pretending
-
present progressiveof pretend (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate 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.
Nobody in Austin is pretending this is easy or cheap.
From Slate ● Jul. 31, 2026
Not that anyone is pretending bigger burgers are exactly healthier burgers.
From MarketWatch ● Jan. 30, 2026
And because everyone is pretending to be something he or she is not.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2025
A common trick is pretending to relocate overseas -- Dubai is a popular choice -- to avoid high tax rates at home, and then in reality spending most of the time in Germany.
From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2025
I glance at Walter, who is pretending to read.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
