feign

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 Goff feigning a fall and throwing to tight end Sam LaPorta for a 21-yard score? Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 The host feigned confusion, grabbing a foam axe from under his desk. Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 28 Jan. 2025 This vulnerability has led some quarterbacks to take advantage of the situation, feigning an attempt to end a play, only to spring back into action once the defender lets up. Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 26 Jan. 2025 Some species of birds will feign a broken wing to draw a predator away from their fledglings. Harvey Whitehouse, WIRED, 23 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for feign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feign
Verb
  • Too many leaders pretend to listen, nodding along in meetings but failing to take action.
    Mark Murphy, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Pride, drama, politics There’s no point in pretending AFCON is perfect.
    Phil Hay, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • These chemicals are all housed in their own little capsules inside the e-Taste device, and released in different combinations and concentrations to simulate different foods.
    Michael Irving, New Atlas, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The right-hander will throw one inning and simulate more in the bullpen.
    Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • So until another shoe drops — assuming there will be another shoe — this deal feels somewhat incomplete for the Penguins.
    Shayna Goldman, The Athletic, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The regulatory process in California could take up to a year, assuming that Tesla’s technology proves to be safe, Smith said.
    Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Feign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feign. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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