pretend
verb (used with object)
to cause or attempt to cause (what is not so) to seem so.
pretending
-
present participleof pretend.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
The phone call had come from Amacher—the man now complaining the situation has been blown out of proportion—who said he had called the center, pretending to be a member of Talarico’s family.
From Slate ● Oct. 16, 2026
Then he disappeared into the nearby stand of trees and stooped down, pretending to relieve himself.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2026
It’s more money for more stuff, when you should be at least pretending to care about the future.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 7, 2026
Immigration enforcement have made arrests in connection with a suspected criminal network believed to be behind dozens of fake asylum claims from people pretending to be gay.
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
“Climb, Rat! Climb!” shouted Steve, dodging our counselor, who was now pretending to be a giant tidal wave.
From "Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat" by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth
