feign
7 synonyms for feign, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To pretend to feel or have something that isn't real.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use feign
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
feign surprise
feign ignorance
feign interest
Etymology
From Old French feindre, "to pretend," from Latin fingere, "to shape or invent" — a relative of fiction and figment.
Full origin of feign →Frequently asked questions
What does “feign” mean?
The word “feign” means to pretend to feel or have something that isn't real. In plain terms, to fake an emotion, illness, or reaction that you don't actually have.
How do you pronounce “feign”?
“Feign” is pronounced fayn (/feɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “feign” in a sentence?
Here is “feign” used in a sentence: “She feigned surprise when they announced the winner, even though she already knew.”
What is another word for “feign”?
Words with a similar meaning to “feign” include deceive.
What part of speech is “feign”?
“Feign” is a verb.
Where does the word “feign” come from?
The word “feign” comes from Latin. From Old French feindre, "to pretend," from Latin fingere, "to shape or invent" — a relative of fiction and figment.
