make-believe

1 of 2

noun

make-be·​lieve ˈmāk-bə-ˌlēv How to pronounce make-believe (audio)
variants or less commonly make-belief
: a pretending that what is not real is real
a fiction writer's childish willingness to immerse himself in make-believeJohn Updike

make-believe

2 of 2

adjective

Examples of make-believe in a Sentence

Adjective zoomed around the house in a make-believe car
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
But the almost bland textures of this section feel relevant to the whole project, as Erice sets up a stark contrast between the magic world of cinematic make-believe and the humdrum nature of base reality. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 22 Aug. 2024 This is important because the fantasy genre frequently explores real-world oppression through make-believe people. Caitlin Penzeymoog, Vox, 7 Oct. 2024
Adjective
Yet in the past, intimate scenes in theater, film and television were rarely treated with the same mindfulness as a make-believe duel. Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, 17 Mar. 2023 The internet provided a fertile new stage for my proclivity for make-believe. Kira Homsher, Longreads, 14 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for make-believe 

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1794, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1806, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of make-believe was in 1794

Dictionary Entries Near make-believe

Cite this Entry

“Make-believe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/make-believe. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

make-believe

1 of 2 noun
make-be·​lieve
ˈmāk-bə-ˌlēv
: a pretending to be another person or character (as in the play of children)

make-believe

2 of 2 adjective
: imaginary
was only a make-believe lion

More from Merriam-Webster on make-believe

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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