The phrase "as though" is commonly used to indicate something that is not actually happening, but which is being imagined or perceived. There are many synonyms for this phrase, each with their own nuances and connotations. Some examples include "as if," which is commonly used to describe hypothetical situations or imagined scenarios. Another synonym is "like," which is often used in comparisons or similes. "In the manner of" is a more formal version of these phrases, used to describe something being done in a particular manner. Other synonyms for "as though" include "as it were," "as perceptive," and "as if by magic".