1. to act as if something is true when it is not, especially in play or to deceive
Usage: third person singular present tense of ‘pretend’
2. to claim falsely to have or be something
Usage: third person singular present tense of ‘pretend’

Examples

• She pretends to be asleep when her parents check on her.
• The child pretends the cardboard box is a spaceship.
• He pretends to know everything about computers.
• The cat pretends not to hear when called.
• She pretends to enjoy the boring meeting.
• The actor pretends to be a different character on stage.