* "Pre-tend" (pronounced "pree-tend") - This is a less common pronunciation of "pretend" and is often used to emphasize the act of pretending.
* "Portend" (pronounced "por-tend") - This word means to indicate or foreshadow something in the future. While it sounds close to "pretend," it has a different meaning entirely.
Ultimately, the best substitute for "pretend" will depend on the specific context of your sentence.