playacting 1 of 2

noun

as in pretense
a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive it was clear to her friends that her reaction to the news was pure playacting

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

playacting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of playact
as in masquerading

Related 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 playacting
Noun
The incident led to Ünsal’s dismissal from the game and drew widespread criticism after replays showed Rivaldo playacting. — Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026 Whenever the real Rhodes was bludgeoned in the ring (his injuries themselves feigned as part of pro wrestling’s playacting), the fake one came to Theresa with his medical bills. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 Alexis Mac Allister, whose fall from grace this season has been akin to Fabinho’s stark decline in 2022-23, stupidly delayed the taking of a Villa corner with some playacting which even prompted Slot to tell him to get up. — James Pearce, New York Times, 16 May 2026 Hence the infamous playacting subplot in her 1814 novel Mansfield Park, a novel written when Austen was at her professional peak. — Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playacting
  1. pretense
  2. posing
  3. show
  4. pretending
  5. facade
  6. acting
  7. act
  8. playing
Noun
  • Every horror series at some point has to reset — to drop the pretense that the audience knows or remembers its world, its characters, and its rules, and to start anew with characters who need everything explained to them.
    — Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The food is stellar, as is the service, but there isn’t a shred of pretence about any of it.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of pretense
Verb
  • Nonetheless, the costs of intercepting incoming munitions could prove particularly high if targets are engaged over populated areas, with drones, defensive munitions and falling debris all posing risks to people and property on the ground.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Hickey is shown in a photo wearing camo while posing with four dead turkeys.
    — Kris Millgate, Outdoor Life, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of posing
Noun
  • When night falls, another show begins with a dedicated corner of the estate designed for stargazing.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
  • In the book, the star detailed her prolific and sometimes difficult career in show business; growing up under the harsh light of Hollywood; and the highs and lows of filming hit TV shows like Heroes and Nashville, and more.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of show
Verb
  • But pretending botanical kratom can’t cause dependence is also dishonest.
    — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Commenters will often take the joke further, by pretending to take the joke seriously and suggesting that those filmed be canceled.
    — David Mack, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of pretending
Noun
  • Built in 1939, the dwelling’s traditional facade, with gable dormers and white picket fencing, sets the tone for interiors by local design firm KKD that feel rustic and modern at once.
    — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The team says the material could eventually be used in energy recovery ventilation, building facades, thermal comfort systems and other building applications.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of facade
Verb
  • On May 15, the EKL learned that scammers, acting through their chief accountant, defrauded their Swedbank and SEB bank accounts of nearly $800,000 in government subsidies via an elaborate scheme disguised as salary payments.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of law enforcement, policing shifts to violent secure against mathematical possibility by acting against living humans now.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of acting
Noun
  • In a courtroom three blocks away, attorney Michael Sanft was performing his own high-wire act.
    — Andy Rose, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Just last week, the singer was tied with Maroon 5, as both acts had collected a milestone 15 leaders.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of act
Verb
  • Janssens would be one of those defenders playing in front of Suzuki in a new environment.
    — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Manchester City’s defence was wide open in Sunday’s Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and that could be a sign of things to come now that Rodri is playing for Barcelona in La Liga.
    — Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of playing

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Cite this Entry

“Playacting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playacting. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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