1
as in mock
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
the feigned applause that polite people give after a bad concert
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fake
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express
the feigned looks of innocence I got when I asked who had broken the lamp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in pretended
to present a false appearance of
I would never feign illness just to get out of a test
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of feigned
Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Fey and Poehler interrupted the host’s monologue, much to his (feigned) surprise, and critiqued his joke telling.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025
Behind the feigned admiration lurks a depth charge of judgement or criticism.
—John Bowe, Contributor, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
Sugarcane repeats Obama’s feigned concern for the plight of indigenous people that first worked magic in 2008, an America-last doc about Canada’s Sugarcane reserve.
—Armond White, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Adjective
In a moment of feigned indignation, Sandler threatened to storm out of the ceremony, which prompted O'Brien to apologize for his attack.
—Edward Segarra, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2025
Fey and Poehler interrupted the host’s monologue, much to his (feigned) surprise, and critiqued his joke telling.
—Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025
Behind the feigned admiration lurks a depth charge of judgement or criticism.
—John Bowe, Contributor, CNBC, 7 Feb. 2025
Sugarcane repeats Obama’s feigned concern for the plight of indigenous people that first worked magic in 2008, an America-last doc about Canada’s Sugarcane reserve.
—Armond White, National Review, 17 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for feigned
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feigned
Adjective
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The couple misspelled words a few times during their mock challenge against him.—
Joey Nolfi Published,
EW.com,
2 June 2025
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Know the difference by testing candidates in mock sales situations.—
Jodie Cook,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
There’s a backdrop of fake news and collective anxiety.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
5 June 2025
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Federal agents concluded that many of the documents, which were turned over by an attorney representing the restaurant, were fake or falsified, according to the warrant.—
Roxana Popescu,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
4 June 2025
Verb
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The newly vegan sister-in-law then called the caterer and pretended to be the bride, adding five new vegan options and approving a $1,500 charge.—
Virginia Chamlee,
People.com,
4 Mar. 2025
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Josef and Rosemarie raised three of Elisabeth's children, who Josef pretended Elisabeth left on their doorstep, while Elisabeth was forced to raise three of her children in a locked underground compound without windows.—
Jessica Sager,
People.com,
1 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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His strained, sandpaper-coarse timbre served as an ideal conduit for songs concerned with boisterous revelries, shady agreements, licentious intentions and musical pleasures.—
Bob Gendron,
Chicago Tribune,
25 May 2025
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During a father-son fishing trip alongside Dawson and his dad (John Wesley Shipp), Pacey's strained relationship with his parent bubbles up.—
Jen Juneau,
People.com,
24 May 2025
Adjective
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As Spain’s only double Oscar-qualifying animation festival, Animayo’s top honors serve as a launchpad to the Academy Awards.—
Jamie Lang,
Variety,
29 May 2025
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She was born in Massachusetts to Nigerian immigrants and, as a teen, was an exceptional figure skater: one who could land double axels with a practiced ease that betrayed the intense commitment behind them.—
Daron James,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
Verb
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When Newcastle received an influx of cash from a sovereign wealth fund, fans assumed a legion of superstars would lead them to Champions League glory.—
Brett Koremenos,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
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Landry said early release, which until now has been typically assumed when judges hand down sentences, is a slap in the face to crime victims.—
Richard A. Webster,
ProPublica,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The couple was convicted in 2022 of conspiring to defraud banks out of more than $30 million in loans by submitting false documents.—
Eric Tucker,
Chicago Tribune,
30 May 2025
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His career was on a steady rise until a series of accusations and investigations in the mid-2000s — including tax evasion, fraud and making false statements — landed him in prison.—
Rachel Raposas,
People.com,
30 May 2025
Adjective
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By After Testing Over 30 Best Sellers By Siena Gagliano Unlike balms, which can make lip color slide around, a primer locks it in while keeping lips soft and comfortable.—
Christa Joanna Lee,
Allure,
2 Mar. 2025
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For lip color, reach for the Merit Beauty Signature lipsticks.—
Loren Savini,
Allure,
22 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Feigned.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feigned. Accessed 8 Jun. 2025.
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