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 The advisee who feigns receptivity lays a terrible trap; woe to the adviser who does not think to step around it. —Merve Emre, New Yorker, 16 June 2025 The actress first feigned collapsing after Joy Behar made a joke about Sean Combs. —Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 3 June 2025 So the lieutenant feigns heterosexuality to get out of jail and secretly satisfy all the frustrated wives and servicewomen on the base. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 May 2025 Yet, the effect can be similar to how a human psychopath might feign emotion to achieve their goals. —Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for feign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feign
  1. pretend
  2. simulate
  3. assume
Verb
  • The scams might start out with a text from someone pretending to be a government official, such as a local sheriff.
    — Susan Tompor, Freep.com, 10 July 2025
  • Adams, who started as a center forward pretending to be former Arsenal, Barcelona and New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry, recalled taking his earliest steps in soccer in Wappinger.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Definition of pretend
Verb
  • The whole structure could even be rotated to simulate the motion of the stars.
    — Martin Bush, Space.com, 5 July 2025
  • Sprinklers simulate rain, except that sprinkler heads often throw the water horizontally.
    — Steve Bender, Southern Living, 5 July 2025
Definition of simulate
Verb
  • Experts have long assumed that the instrument had been destroyed or lost to history.
    — Asia London Palomba, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 July 2025
  • Complex Interagency Incident Management Team 9 (Gould) assumed command of the Marble Complex at 6:00 p.m. on July 5, 2025.
    — CA WILDFIRE BOT, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2025
Definition of assume

Browse Nearby Words

feet of clay
feign
feigned
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Cite this Entry

“Feign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feign. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of feign for Spanish Speakers

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