Pretender

/prɪˈtɛndər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who claims or acts as if they have a certain status or quality, but do not.

The man was exposed as a pretender when his lack of credentials was revealed.

A person who puts on a false appearance or acts in a deceptive manner.

She was merely a pretender, trying to fit into a world she didn’t belong to.

In historical contexts, a claimant to a throne or title who is not the legitimate heir.

The pretender to the throne gathered support from various factions in the kingdom.

Someone who feigns interest or affection for ulterior motives.

He seemed genuinely interested in the project, but many thought he was just a pretender.

From Middle English 'pretendere', from Old French 'pretendre', from Latin 'praetendere'.

pretender to the throne

Someone who claims a right to a throne without legitimate right.

the great pretender

A phrase often used to describe someone who is not genuine.

imposter

A person who pretends to be someone else to deceive others.

deceiver

Someone who causes others to believe something false.

Poser

He's just a poser trying to fit into that crowd.

Fake

Don't be such a fake about your interests.