1
as in mock
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
the feigned applause that polite people give after a bad concert
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fake
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express
the feigned looks of innocence I got when I asked who had broken the lamp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in pretended
to present a false appearance of
I would never feign illness just to get out of a test
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 feigned
Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
Contrary to Camp Cuomo’s feigned ignorance, the absence of criminal charges in no way suggests that Cuomo is innocent.
—Erica Vladimer, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2025
Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
Time and again, when presented with the misdeeds of his friends, allies, subordinates, and appointees, Adams has feigned, at most, mild surprise.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Adjective
The White Lotus as a whole is generally on the side of honesty over feigned politeness, but Laurie is going so nuclear, so quickly, that perhaps this will turn out to be an exception.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2025
Contrary to Camp Cuomo’s feigned ignorance, the absence of criminal charges in no way suggests that Cuomo is innocent.
—Erica Vladimer, New York Daily News, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
That lack of confidence is charming and funny; when the experts on With Love, Meghan mess up, their humility feels feigned and unnatural, but Martin’s embarrassment only motivates everyone to help him out.
—Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2025
Time and again, when presented with the misdeeds of his friends, allies, subordinates, and appointees, Adams has feigned, at most, mild surprise.
—Eric Lach, New Yorker, 21 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feigned
Adjective
-
Whose idea was this, and what kinds of settler-colonial relations does this mock holdup invert?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Sweater My grandmother also purchased this 100 percent cashmere mock-neck sweater to have on hand in case the weather requires an extra layer.—
Melony Forcier,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The Federal Trade Commission issued an alert earlier in 2025 to encourage parents to talk to their children about the risks associated with responding to a fake text.—
Susan Tompor,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
-
To make Reen feel comfortable and truly welcomed, Long’s entire extended family wore fake tattoo sleeves to the reunion.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
California Schemin’ is based on the true story of two Scottish friends, Gavin Bain and Billy Boyd, who pretended to be a California rap duo, Silibil N’ Brains, to realize their dream of hip-hop stardom.—
Etan Vlessing,
HollywoodReporter,
5 Sep. 2025
-
No one pretended when Johnny Carson or others retired that the new group would replace them.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Though the former couple remained close in the years after their separation, their relationship allegedly became strained when Simon stopped paying for their children’s school and medical fees following a change on his tax return.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
-
In contrast to Bella’s strained relationship with Coverley, her bond with her father was effortless.—
Rebecca Mead,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
With Ella Toone or Park in the No 10 role, the former Bayern Munich player will add balance in a double pivot alongside Hinata Miyazawa allowing United more control in midfield.—
Charlotte Harpur,
New York Times,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The Royals’ defense erased a potential rally in the fourth inning after Cameron surrendered a double to Rengifo and walked first baseman Oswald Peraza.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The fire is assumed to have been sparked by lightning.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Normally, such readers are assumed to be older.—
Jon Allsop,
New Yorker,
5 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
Representatives for James have called the fraud claims made against her politically motivated and false.—
Robert Faturechi,
ProPublica,
6 Sep. 2025
-
On the next play, Taylor was called for a false-start penalty.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
The pop of color offers a shimmer-free (rare!) means of warming up a wedding look and works equally well at lip level.—
Calin Van Paris,
Vogue,
12 Aug. 2025
-
By After Testing Over 30 Best Sellers By Siena Gagliano Unlike balms, which can make lip color slide around, a primer locks it in while keeping lips soft and comfortable.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
2 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Feigned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feigned. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share