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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for playacting
Noun
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Moore befriended Shakespeare in 2008 under the pretense of writing a book about him, but the project never materialized.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
18 Apr. 2025 -
What To Know According to court documents reviewed by NewsNation, Piccolo is accused of driving up to a woman in Manatee County, stopping his vehicle under the pretense of asking for directions and then exposing himself.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
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This is one of the show's many surprises: the self-awareness, the meta approach.—
Shania Russell,
EW.com,
27 Apr. 2025
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Back in 2020, Wallen was disinvited from SNL for breaking the show's COVID-19 quarantine protocols the same year he was arrested for public intoxication and disorderly conduct.—
Emily Tannenbaum,
Glamour,
27 Apr. 2025
Verb
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While posing for photos at the event, Princess Charlene was joined by filmmaker Blanca Li, and her sister-in-law Princess Caroline of Hanover, among others.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
31 Mar. 2025
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Artists, designers, stylists, actors and musicians came out from all corners of the industry, posing on the red carpet and dancing to the sounds of Star Amerasu, the evening’s DJ.—
Julissa James,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Its grand facade, looming over the misty abyss of Tequendama Falls, is the kind of place that invites amazement and a little unease.—
Josh Rivera,
USA Today,
18 Apr. 2025
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Fact to know: In collaboration with the Dilworth Historic Commission, the project team used traditional materials and techniques — including the help of a master stonemason with access to original quarries — to ensure consistency with the church’s limestone facade.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Apr. 2025
Verb
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This prompt gives you enough talking points to contribute thoughtfully without pretending to be an expert.—
Dr. Diane Hamilton,
Forbes.com,
4 Apr. 2025
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Interspersed in the narrative, there are South Asian folktales about a jackal who is punished for pretending to be a king and a foolish man who puts all his eggs in a basket.—
Malaka Gharib,
NPR,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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What should have been a pure celebration of Sanders’ hard work and achievement was instead partially overshadowed by an act of disrespect that he was then expected to graciously forgive.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
28 Apr. 2025
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From there, becoming a club regular is golden, and gigs as an opener or a feature act can solidify a career.—
R. Daniel Foster,
Forbes.com,
28 Apr. 2025
Verb
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When the acting dream started Growing up in Sacramento, Smalls was a three-sport athlete in high school attending West Campus, Rosemont and Foothill in North Highlands.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacramento Bee,
25 Mar. 2025
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Right before graduation, Smalls found a two-year program in the William Esper Studio in New York City which teaches acting techniques such as the Meisner Technique.—
Marcus D. Smith,
Sacramento Bee,
25 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Cybercriminals Cyber threat opportunism takes many guises, from ransomware actors leveraging media interest in Elon Musk and DOGE to launch a trillion-dollar attack, to physical attackers using shoulder-surfing techniques to steal your phone and access the data contained within.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes.com,
24 Apr. 2025
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Leavitt uses the individual stories to showcase Ukrainian resilience and resistance—themes that appear in many guises, including grassroots relief efforts.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Playacting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playacting. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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