pretending crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving challenging crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and explanations for the clue "pretending," organized by letter count to help you quickly complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "pretending crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
ACTING: Performing a role or behaving in a way that suggests something is true when it is not.
MIMING: Using gestures without speech to convey a story or idea, often pretending to interact with invisible objects.
POSING: Adopting a particular attitude or position, often for effect, or behaving in a manner that isn't genuine.
FAKING: Producing a fraudulent imitation, or pretending to have a particular feeling or intention.
8 Letters
FEIGNING: Deliberately faking or simulating a feeling, state, or injury to deceive.
SHAMMING: Falsely presenting something as genuine, or pretending to be ill or incapacitated to avoid work.
10 Letters
SIMULATING: Imitating the appearance, behavior, or character of something.
More About "pretending crossword clue"
The clue "pretending" is a common one in crosswords, and its versatility means it can have several valid answers depending on the context of the puzzle. It typically points towards words describing an action of feigning, simulating, or acting out a role. Understanding the subtle differences between synonyms like "acting" and "feigning" can be crucial for selecting the correct answer.
Crossword setters often use "pretending" to test your knowledge of synonyms that convey a sense of unreality, deception, or performance. Always consider the length of the required answer and any intersecting letters you might already have, as these will significantly narrow down the possibilities. Look for nuances in the full clue, such as whether the pretense is about an emotion, a physical state, or a complete identity.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Nuance: For clues like "pretending," consider if the pretense is about deception (feigning, shaming) or performance (acting, miming). This can help differentiate between similar-length answers.
- Check for ING Endings: Many words related to "pretending" are gerunds or present participles ending in -ING, which can be a helpful pattern to spot.
- Count Letters Carefully: Always double-check the exact number of letters required. Even a single letter off can lead you down the wrong path.
- Consider Other Clues: Sometimes, an obscure answer for "pretending" might become obvious when you solve intersecting words.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'pretending' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'pretending' often leads to answers related to faking, acting, simulating, or making believe. The specific nuance usually depends on other words in the clue or the given letters.
How can I distinguish between similar 'pretending' clues like 'acting' vs 'feigning'?
While 'acting' often implies performing a role or behaving in a certain way, 'feigning' specifically suggests faking an emotion, illness, or condition to deceive. Pay attention to context: 'pretending to be ill' might be FEIGNING, while 'pretending to be a king' might be ACTING.
Are there common prefixes or suffixes for 'pretending' words in crosswords?
Not specific prefixes or suffixes, but words related to 'pretending' often end in -ING (like feigning, acting, simulating, shaming). Also look for synonyms of 'fake', 'sham', 'mimic', or 'play'.