Synonyms for Pretend
Definition of pretend
adjective
- imagined as in a play; "the make-believe world of theater"; "play money"; "dangling their legs in the water to catch pretend fish"
noun
- the enactment of a pretense; "it was just pretend"
verb
- make believe with the intent to deceive; "He feigned that he was ill"; "He shammed a headache"
7 synonyms found
Writing tips for "pretend"
Choosing the right synonym depends on context, tone, and audience. Words like act, affect, dissemble can replace "pretend" depending on the shade of meaning you need. In poetry and songwriting, swapping synonyms lets you match a rhyme scheme or meter without changing your meaning. In prose, varying your word choice avoids repetition and keeps readers engaged.
With 7 alternatives available, "pretend" gives you flexibility across registers — from formal to casual, from literary to conversational. Try pairing these synonyms with our rhyme finder to discover words that both mean and sound like what you need.
"Pretend" in song lyrics
See how pretend is used in real songs:
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"So he can tell his man and they won't pretend"
A.D.O.R. — Enter the Center -
"Most don't understand me, they pretend"
Alchemist f/ Dilated Peoples — For the Record -
"Never as girlfriends, though he would pretend"
Alexipharmic — Kings