Act
Act verb - To give the impression of being.
Usage example: always acting helpless, just to get attention
Pretend is a synonym for act in honest topic. In some cases you can use "Pretend" instead the word "Act" as a verb or a noun, when it comes to topics like disguise, entertain by playing a role. popular alternative
Pretend
Pretend verb - To take on a false or deceptive appearance.
Usage example: I pretended that I didn't care that my ex had a new man in her life
Act is a synonym for pretend in fake topic. You can use "Act" instead the word "Pretend" as a verb or a noun, if it concerns topics such as honest, disguise, make believe, put on an act. popular alternative
Mutual synonyms
Common collocations
Both words in one sentence
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She continues to pretend and act as if she is a gentle and beautiful princess even as the antagonists treat her terribly.
Source: Escapism -
Being Watched: Okay, there are 64 surveillance cameras hidden in your bedroom alone... now act normal..... How does Light pretend to act normal?
Source: Manga / Death Note -
Touhou's Reimu may act crabby or pretend to be indifferent at times, but when push comes to shove, she will act as the dutiful hero.
Source: Lawful Good
Cite this Source
Pretend and Act. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 15, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/act/pretend
Act & Pretend. N.p., 2016. Web. 15 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/act/pretend>.
Pretend or Act. 2016. Accessed August 15, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/act/pretend.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "act" and "pretend" have occurred on timeline