let on

verb

let on; letting on; lets on

intransitive verb

1
: to make acknowledgment : admit
knows more than he lets on
2
: to reveal a secret
nobody let on about the surprise party
3
: pretend
let on to being a stranger

Examples of let on in a Sentence

she's not half as innocent as she likes to let on
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.
This episode also serves to shed a more suspicious light on Sophie, who has a history with CPS (Child Protective Services), which implies there's more to her past than she's let on. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 26 July 2025 The Return of Seafood Boils as Comfort Theater Red Lobster has always carried more meaning than its menu lets on. Stephanie Gravalese, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025 Despite the Charles Bronson-goes-to-Yeshiva energy of the trailer, there may be more to the story than producers are letting on. Seth Abramovitch, HollywoodReporter, 20 June 2025 Even those selling LinkedIn growth expertise aren’t letting on that they’re actually glued to the platform. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for let on

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of let on was in 1725

Cite this Entry

“Let on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/let%20on. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

let on

verb
1
: admit sense 1b, reveal
don't let on that I told you
2
: pretend entry 1 sense 2
he's not as happy as he lets on

More from Merriam-Webster on let on

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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