easy
The children pretend the box is a spaceship.
What does Pretend mean?
Pretend means to act as if something is real.
Dictionary definition
To act as if something is true or real when it is not.
Example sentences
Pretend in a sentence
medium
In drama class, we pretend to be different characters.
hard
Writers may show characters pretending to hide what they really feel.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice pretend in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Pretend
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does pretend mean?
Pretend means pretend means to act as if something is real.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to pretend?
Imagine is close in meaning to pretend.
Practice 3
Which sentence uses pretend correctly?
The correct sentence uses pretend in a meaningful context.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Pretend
Voice settings
Sounds like
prih · tend · strongest beat: tend
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordPretend.
Partverb, adjective.
MeaningPretend means to act as if something is real.
ExampleExample: The children pretend the box is a spaceship.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- prih · tend
- Strongest beat
- tend
- Ending
- tend
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on tend.
Your turn
Say Pretend
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced pretend.
Synonyms
Words like Pretend
imagineForm an idea in the mind.
make-believeAct as if something is real for play or story.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice pretend synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The story had an imaginary dragon," then compare close word choices. Practice pretend synonyms.
Word family
Pretend word family
Base word
pretend
verb
pretended
Acted as if something was real.
verb
pretending
Acting as if something is real.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Pretend
Hint for students
Pretend means to act as if something is real.
Common mix-up
Pretend is not the same as prove. Pretend means pretend means to act as if something is real.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: In drama class, we pretend to be different characters. Clue words: drama, class, different. Underline clue words that show why pretend fits instead of prove. Now write one new sentence that shows pretend without using the word pretend. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show pretend?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "In drama class, we pretend to be different characters." Why does pretend fit better than prove?
Learning activities
Practice Pretend and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice PRETEND” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice PRETEND
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with PRETEND
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
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Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
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Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
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Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Practice PRETEND
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes PRETEND.
Practice PRETEND
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
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