feigning

(noun) pretending with intention to deceive. Synonyms: pretense, pretence, dissembling.

(noun) the act of giving a false appearance. Synonyms: pretense, pretence, pretending, simulation. Example: "His conformity was only pretending."

(verb) make believe with the intent to deceive. Synonyms: feign, sham, pretend, affect, dissemble. Examples: "He feigned that he was ill." "He shammed a headache."

(verb) make a pretence of. Synonyms: simulate, assume, sham, feign. Examples: "She assumed indifference, even though she was seething with anger." "He feigned sleep."