feign

verb

ˈfān How to pronounce feign (audio)
Definition of feignnext
as in to pretend
to present a false appearance of I would never feign illness just to get out of a test

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb feign contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of feign are affect, assume, counterfeit, pretend, sham, and simulate. While all these words mean "to put on a false or deceptive appearance," feign implies more artful invention than pretend, less specific mimicry than simulate.

feigned sickness

When can affect be used instead of feign?

The meanings of affect and feign largely overlap; however, affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling.

affected an interest in art

When is assume a more appropriate choice than feign?

In some situations, the words assume and feign are roughly equivalent. However, assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive.

assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

When could counterfeit be used to replace feign?

The words counterfeit and feign can be used in similar contexts, but counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words.

an actor counterfeiting drunkenness

When might pretend be a better fit than feign?

The synonyms pretend and feign are sometimes interchangeable, but pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance.

pretended that nothing had happened

When is it sensible to use sham instead of feign?

Although the words sham and feign have much in common, sham implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible.

shammed a most unconvincing limp

When would simulate be a good substitute for feign?

While the synonyms simulate and feign are close in meaning, simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something.

cosmetics that simulate a suntan

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of feign But there were also echoes of resentment from pop fans who criticized Gomez for feigning helplessness instead of taking action, despite her promising to do so in the clip. —Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Mar. 2025 Someone in Mike Jeffries’ position should feign to have forgotten everything. —Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 21 Mar. 2025 Armisen also feigned being asleep when Short would stop by his dressing room nearby his own. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 19 Mar. 2025 In perhaps the single funniest scene, Nathan has to feign pain while being tortured by one of the bad guys to stall for enough time for his friend Roscoe to rescue him. —Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for feign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feign
  1. pretend
  2. simulate
  3. assume
Verb
  • In the post, Oscar can be seen jumping into the ocean into his dad's arms, pretending to fly a plane, smiling with his mom Tana and cheesing on a blue truck.
    — Hannah Sacks, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • This prompt gives you enough talking points to contribute thoughtfully without pretending to be an expert.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of pretend
Verb
  • Using grand feu enamel to simulate drips of nail polish has to be a first in high watchmaking, and who but a high-fashion brand to pioneer the art form?
    — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025
  • By turning the water temperature to freezing, the process simulates when amphibians and reptiles conserve energy in the winter, when food is scarce and temperatures are low.
    — Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025
Definition of simulate
Verb
  • Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Kevin Brazile, in a tentative ruling issued on Thursday, denied CBS’ bid for a court order that would’ve temporarily blocked Sony’s efforts from assuming distribution.
    — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
  • And there’s usually some wiggle room, a premium being paid to reap future opportunities or a discount to assume some risk.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of assume

Browse Nearby Words

feet of clay
feign
feigned
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Feign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feign. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of feign for Spanish Speakers

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