pretend to (something)

idiom

formal

: to claim that one has (something, such as a quality or ability)

She pretends to a deep religious devotion, but I don't believe her.

—usually used in negative statements

I don't pretend to any expertise in these matters.

Examples of pretend to (something) in a Sentence

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.

This is also a great series to binge-watch since there are two sequels. Can’t Buy Me Love Can't Buy Me Love follows a nerdy high schooler who offers the most popular girl in school $1,000 to pretend to date him for a month. —

Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 12 Feb. 2025 Was the choice not to pretend to be straight a form of activism? —

Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025 But no California farmer should pretend to forget, or dismiss, how Trump made politics out of some of their precious water. —

Tom Philp, The Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2025 All the women are excited and sing along — finally, an artist these contestants don’t have to pretend to know! Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking TV news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more. —

Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 4 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pretend to (something)

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Style

“Pretend to (something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretend%20to%20%28something%29. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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