Pretends

verb

1. To claim, to allege, especially when falsely or as a form of deliberate deception.
2. To feign, affect (a state, quality, etc.).
3. To lay claim to (an ability, status, advantage, etc.). (originally used without to)
4. To make oneself appear to do or be doing something; to engage in make-believe.
5. To hold before, or put forward, as a cloak or disguise for something else; to exhibit as a veil for something hidden.