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.

Others pointed out that there was absolutely no need for Musk to pretend to be a skilled gamer—the man has accomplished more in the real world than the digital realm. —

Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 There will be essentially a two-tier society between the quote unquote, real Americans—those who buy into this, or pretend to — and then the rest of Americans. —

John Blake, CNN, 12 Jan. 2025 Things get more interesting when a trio of outcast teens pretend to be Satanists to get people interested in their rock band. —

Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024 Some might be disgusted that a person would pretend to be emotional simply to drive the AI in a preferred direction. —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for pretend to (something)

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“Pretend to (something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretend%20to%20%28something%29. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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