# feigned

/ˈfeɪnd/ (US) · /fˈeɪnd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/feigned
Updated: 2026-10-15

## Definition

not real, only pretended. You use it for feelings or actions that someone fakes, like a smile or surprise.

For teachers: pretended or simulated rather than genuinely felt or meant. Typically describes expressions, emotions, or illnesses intended to deceive.

## Examples

- She wears a feigned smile for the family photo.
- He listened with feigned interest while his colleague explained the long report.
- Despite her feigned calm during the negotiation, she noticed every shift in tone and waited for the right moment to respond.

## Synonyms

fake, forced, insincere, artificial

## Antonyms

genuine, sincere, real, natural

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the noun it modifies, as in 'feigned interest' or 'feigned surprise'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.