Act as if
Pretend and act as if are semantically related. in declare topic. In some cases you can use "Pretend" instead a verb phrase "Act as if", when it comes to topics like make a show of.
Pretend
Pretend verb - To take on a false or deceptive appearance.
Mutual synonyms
Both terms 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 -
The first few minutes of the play are done with no lights but the characters act as if the apartment were fully illuminated; then there's a blackout and the lights go up full while the actors pretend they can't see.
Source: Hollywood Darkness
Cite this Source
Pretend and Act as if. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 07, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/act_as_if/pretend
Act as if & Pretend. N.p., 2016. Web. 07 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/act_as_if/pretend>.
Pretend or Act as if. 2016. Accessed August 07, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/act_as_if/pretend.