feign

verb

ˈfān How to pronounce feign (audio)
Definition of feignnext
as in to pretend
to present a false appearance of I would never feign illness just to get out of a test

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb feign contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of feign are affect, assume, counterfeit, pretend, sham, and simulate. While all these words mean "to put on a false or deceptive appearance," feign implies more artful invention than pretend, less specific mimicry than simulate.

feigned sickness

When can affect be used instead of feign?

The meanings of affect and feign largely overlap; however, affect implies making a false show of possessing, using, or feeling.

affected an interest in art

When is assume a more appropriate choice than feign?

In some situations, the words assume and feign are roughly equivalent. However, assume often implies a justifiable motive rather than an intent to deceive.

assumed an air of cheerfulness around the patients

When could counterfeit be used to replace feign?

The words counterfeit and feign can be used in similar contexts, but counterfeit implies achieving the highest degree of verisimilitude of any of these words.

an actor counterfeiting drunkenness

When might pretend be a better fit than feign?

The synonyms pretend and feign are sometimes interchangeable, but pretend implies an overt and sustained false appearance.

pretended that nothing had happened

When is it sensible to use sham instead of feign?

Although the words sham and feign have much in common, sham implies an obvious falseness that fools only the gullible.

shammed a most unconvincing limp

When would simulate be a good substitute for feign?

While the synonyms simulate and feign are close in meaning, simulate suggests a close imitation of the appearance of something.

cosmetics that simulate a suntan

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 feign The documentary explores the dark web of fraud, deception and malice that led Parker to feign a pregnancy to try to bolster her relationship with boyfriend Wade Griffin — and when her fake due date passed, kill Hancock for her baby, Braxlynn Sage. — Kc Baker, PEOPLE, 13 June 2026 Below, Warren Zaire-Emery feigns a run towards his own goal to get on the blind side of a forward. — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 June 2026 Bohm then feigned a throw toward first before pulling the ball in, turning and throwing to second. — Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2026 In reality, the 36-year-old gamer had recorded the footage days earlier, in a bid to feign his innocence. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for feign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feign
  1. pretend
  2. simulate
  3. assume
Verb
  • Storch does not pretend to be a long-distance lover of English football.
    — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • An ostrich recommends that Taylor hide and pretend nothing happened.
    — Liz Rosenberg, The Conversation, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of pretend
Verb
  • To simulate thwarting advances by enemy forces using the bridge, soldiers erected layers of barriers and rolled barbed wire.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • During these tests, the massive main coolant pumps run at full power to heat the water through friction, simulating real operating temperatures without live nuclear fuel.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of simulate
Verb
  • Every serious player in the industry is funding a different way to need less of the thing the market assumes stays scarce.
    — Jon Markman, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Do not assume everyone is on the same page because the vibe feels good.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of assume

Browse Nearby Words

feet of clay
feign
feigned
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Cite this Entry

“Feign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feign. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on feign

Nglish: Translation of feign for Spanish Speakers

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