let on

verb

let on; letting on; lets on
Synonyms of let onnext

intransitive verb

1
: to make acknowledgment : admit
knows more than he lets on
2
: to reveal a secret
nobody let on about the surprise party
3
: pretend
let on to being a stranger

Synonyms of let on

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Examples of let on in a Sentence

she's not half as innocent as she likes to let on
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
How hair supplements work The oral-versus-topical distinction matters more than most marketing lets on. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 As for 5-star quarterback Julian Lewis, who was demoted last week, there seems to be more to the situation than Deion is intentionally letting on. — Trey Wallace Outkick, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2026 Rek may have more control over the proceedings than its promotion lets on. — Jon Martindale, PC Magazine, 5 Oct. 2026 But if the contract has more to do with his absence than the Steelers are letting on? — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for let on

Word History

First Known Use

1725, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of let on was in 1725

Rhymes for let on

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Browse Nearby Words

let off
let on
let one's guard down
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Let on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/let%20on. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

let on

verb
1
: admit sense 1b, reveal
don't let on that I told you
2
: pretend entry 1 sense 2
he's not as happy as he lets on
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