General:
* Pretend: This is the most common and straightforward word.
* Make-believe: This emphasizes the imaginative nature of pretending.
* Feign: This implies a deliberate act of pretending, often to deceive.
* Simulate: This suggests a more structured or controlled form of pretending, often used in a scientific or technical context.
Specific to children:
* Play-acting: This refers to pretending in a dramatic or theatrical way.
* Fantasy: This emphasizes the imaginative and unrealistic nature of pretending.
* Imagination: This describes the ability to pretend and create imaginary worlds.
Other:
* Mimic: This implies copying the actions or behavior of someone else.
* Disguise: This refers to pretending to be someone else, often through a change in appearance.
The best word to use depends on the specific situation and the meaning you want to express.