Crossword Genius

Pretended to have time to be excited (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stimulated

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'be excited' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'pretended to have time' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'have' could be 'stimulate' (synonyms) and 'stimulate' is found in the answer.
A single letter 'd' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stimulated that I've seen before include "Provoked the senses" , "Energised" , "Created excitement" , "Aroused" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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