The meaning of PRETEND is to give a false appearance of being, possessing, or performing. How to use pretend in a sentence. Synonym Discussion of Pretend.

PRETEND definition: 1. to behave as if something is true when you know that it is not, especially in order to deceive…. Learn more.

To pretend is to create an imaginary characteristic or to play a part: to pretend sorrow. To affect is to make a consciously artificial show of having qualities that one thinks would look well and …

If children or adults pretend that they are doing something, they imagine that they are doing it, for example as part of a game. She can sunbathe and pretend she's in Spain. [VERB that] The …

PRETEND definition: to cause or attempt to cause (what is not so) to seem so. See examples of pretend used in a sentence.

Pretend, affect, assume, feign imply an attempt to create a false appearance. To pretend is to create an imaginary characteristic or to play a part: to pretend sorrow.

Jan 27, 2026 · Noun pretend (uncountable) (childish, informal) The act of engaging in pretend play.

To pretend is to act as if you're someone else. If you pretend to be your mother for a phone conference with your math teacher, try putting on her high heels to help you get into character.

Definition of pretend verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

pretend, v. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary