feign

Definition of feignnext

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 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 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 Most artists spend enormous energy maintaining that closeness — or at least feigning it. Jeff Benjamin, Forbes.com, 1 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 See All Example Sentences for feign
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feign
Verb
  • Barcenas' tea-sipping celebration was a tribute to Alex Morgan, one of the Wave's owners, who pretended to take a sip of tea after scoring in a match against England during the 2019 Women's World Cup.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 July 2026
  • Well, Ariana seems to remember, whereas Hudson is determined to just undo the breakup and pretend like none of it ever happened.
    Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • But there’s no way to simulate all the variables of real life, particularly the weather.
    Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 22 June 2026
  • Instead of developing multiple aircraft designs or conducting thousands of expensive flight tests, engineers can simulate those scenarios digitally and rapidly iterate on designs.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 22 June 2026
Verb
  • Sweden loses key piece The first half was a sloppy slugfest as both teams tried to use their physicality to assume control.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 June 2026
  • John Murphy, president and chief financial officer, will assume the responsibilities in the interim, according to an announcement.
    Amy Wenk, AJC.com, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Feign.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feign. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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