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.

And then, a troop of redcoats storms the house looking for Jamie, which forces him to pretend to kidnap Lord John at gunpoint. —

Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 7 Dec. 2024 In the 2001 original, Clooney’s character, Danny Ocean hires Schwartz’s character to pretend to beat him up during the group’s heist. —

Clare Fisher, People.com, 4 Dec. 2024 Search engine links: Advertising links on search results that pretend to sell popular products could also lead to fake sites, Steinhauer warns, as more cybercriminals take advantage of excitement around the holidays. —

Lindsey Choo, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024 Romance scammers often pretend to be members of the military. —

Peter Suciu, Forbes, 23 Nov. 2024 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 21 Dec. 2024.

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