pretended

[ pri-ten-did ]

adjective

insincerely or falsely professed: a pretended interest in art.
feigned, fictitious, or counterfeit: His pretended wealth was proved to be nonexistent.

Origin of pretended

late Middle English word dating back to 1425–75; see origin at pretend, -ed²

Hannigan pretended to be a basketball pro in order to impress a hot guy she had a crush on—only she had never played basketball.
‘My Crazy Love’ Reveals the Craziest Lies People Tell for Love | Kevin Fallon | November 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Our Pashto interpreter explained how he had pretended to be a Pakistani policeman when interested crowds approached the compound.
I Shot Bin Laden | Elliot Ackerman | November 16, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
When he stopped by with the mail, he smiled, and we all pretended things were normal.
Bergdahl’s Dad: Drone Killed Captor’s Kid | Michael Ames | June 6, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Backers of the bill pretended that these were the only legal experts in America who have a view on the law.
Are Opponents of Arizona's Anti-Gay Law Eager to Deceive? | Kirsten Powers | March 3, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
He is at last what he always pretended to be but never was: the Greatest.
The Stacks: The True Greatness of Muhammad Ali | Peter Richmond | February 23, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST

One little girl attempted to smell at the trees in a drawing and pretended to feed some pictorial dogs.
Children's Ways | James Sully
Under the pressing circumstances the military authorities pretended to be doing something there, and sent up a commission.
The Philippine Islands | John Foreman
The three fingers shot up at once and waved at me, but I pretended not to see them and turned to my guest.
The Soldier of the Valley | Nelson Lloyd
At the island of Cebu, Magellan made friends with the king, who was baptised by the priests, and pretended to become a Christian.
Alila, Our Little Philippine Cousin | Mary Hazelton Wade
One or two ast him square, I b'lieve, but he either pretended not to hear 'em, or got out of it somehow.
The Cromptons | Mary J. Holmes

Browse