Dialogue words you could use instead of the word…

Affect

As a verb

Specifically meaning to present a false appearance of

act
assume
bluff
camouflage
conceal
counterfeit
dissemble
disguise
dissimilate
fake
feign
feint
forge
imitate
impersonate
let on
make believe
malinger
mask
masquerade
pass
pass for
play
play act
pose
pretend
profess
put on
sham
simulate