made believe
/meɪd bɪˈlɪv/
VERB
1. To pretend that something is real or true
To imagine or act as though something exists or is true, even though it is not real, often as part of play, fantasy, or deliberate pretense.
1.1. Engaging in imaginative or pretend play
Used when people, especially children, imagine themselves in fictional situations or pretend to be different characters as part of a game.
Synonyms
- pretended
- played make-believe
- play-acted
- acted as if
- acted as though
- played the part
- fantasized
- imagined
Antonyms
- lived reality
Examples
- In the backyard, the children enthusiastically made believe they were pirates on a daring adventure.
- During the playdate, the kids joyfully made believe they were characters from their favorite storybooks.
- In the schoolyard, the friends often made believe they were characters from their favorite fantasy series.
Related Words
- imagination
- fantasy
- make-believe
- role-play
- pretend play
- fiction
- daydream
1.2. Pretending to have an identity or characteristic
Used when someone acts as though they are a particular person or possess a certain quality, feeling, or condition that is not genuine.
Synonyms
- feigned
- affected
- pretended
- simulated
- bluffed
- posed
- masqueraded
- put on an act
- shammed
- dissembled
Examples
- The actor skillfully made believe he was a superhero, captivating the young audience.
- He made believe that he understood the instructions, although he was completely confused.
- She made believe she was confident to conceal her nervousness.
Related Words
- deception
- pretense
- disguise
- simulation
- impersonation
- insincerity
- false appearance