PLAYACTING Synonyms: 87 Similar and Opposite Words

playacting 1 of 2

noun

as in pretense

a display of emotion or behavior that is insincere or intended to deceive it was clear to her friends that her reaction to the news was pure playacting

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

playacting

2 of 2

verb

present participle of playact

as in masquerading

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of playacting

Noun

Whenever the real Rhodes was bludgeoned in the ring (his injuries themselves feigned as part of pro wrestling’s playacting), the fake one came to Theresa with his medical bills. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 The incident led to Ünsal’s dismissal from the game and drew widespread criticism after replays showed Rivaldo playacting. — Andrew Pereira, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 June 2026 Hence the infamous playacting subplot in her 1814 novel Mansfield Park, a novel written when Austen was at her professional peak. — Emily Zarevich, JSTOR Daily, 11 Sep. 2025 Alexis Mac Allister, whose fall from grace this season has been akin to Fabinho’s stark decline in 2022-23, stupidly delayed the taking of a Villa corner with some playacting which even prompted Slot to tell him to get up. — James Pearce, New York Times, 16 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for playacting

Noun

Trimpey also faces a felony charge of obtaining money by false pretenses.

— Darrell Smith, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
In the suit, Ibrahim alleges that he was lured to the gym under the pretense of a challenge and was ambushed by Watson, a co-owner of the gym and two other men.

— Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026

Definition of pretense

Verb

But the ongoing costs of owning a home, including insurance and property taxes, are still rising, posing an affordability challenge to all homeowners.

— Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 3 July 2026
Prior to the indictment, Liaw was even photographed posing near Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at GTC 2026.

— Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 2 July 2026

Definition of posing

Noun

There was a small card with a graphic that pictured Wiley walking in the middle of Bluey and Bingo, two characters from the show.

— Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Englewood City Council called a special session on Wednesday evening to discuss whether to have its fireworks show, ultimately deciding to move forward with it.

— Chierstin Roth, CBS News, 2 July 2026

Definition of show

Verb

The scammer then calls, pretending to be in a crisis and in need of immediate financial assistance.

— Ella Moore July 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026
For example, a group of minions might be pretending to fight a group of Vikings on a movie set, or enough alien spaceships to fill the entire screen appear and shoot their lasers at once.

— Parents, Parents, 1 July 2026

Definition of pretending

Noun

Europe has long resisted air conditioning as noisy, an eyesore on architectural facades and unnecessary, as brutal summer heat has been relatively short-lived.

— Anniek Bao,Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Original Tuscan columns on the facade were preserved, while interior crown moldings were restored and paired with bleached hardwood chevron floors, new chandeliers, and mantlepieces.

— Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 2 July 2026

Definition of facade

Verb

George Clooney will receive the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 83rd edition of the Venice Film Festival, recognizing a career that has spanned acting, directing and producing across film and television.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 6 July 2026
Streever sent the email in January to Todd Lyons, then the acting director of ICE, after an immigration officer fatally shot Minneapolis resident Renee Good during an anti-ICE demonstration.

— ABC News, ABC News, 6 July 2026

Definition of acting

Noun

At the time, the colonies were still under British rule, making the creation of a national flag a potentially dangerous act.

— Pete Cuddihy, FOXNews.com, 5 July 2026
The core party at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum will feature performances by acts including the Smashing Pumpkins, Maren Morris and Anthony Ramos, according to the America 250 website.

— Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 4 July 2026

Definition of act

Verb

Win prizes playing interactive games, network with artists and entrepreneurs and enjoy signature drinks and bar snacks available for purchase.

— Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
Men leaders can pay attention to and be mindful of who in the workplace may be playing more of an emotional support role that falls outside their job description.

— Holly Corbett, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of playing

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playacted

playacting

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“Playacting.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/playacting. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of playacting

noun

verb

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