The word pretender refers to a person who falsely claims to be something they are not, typically someone who assumes a false identity or role for deceptive purposes. A pretender may attempt to pass as another person, often to gain an advantage or deceive others. The term can also refer to someone pretending to have abilities, qualities, or a status they do not truly possess.
Ten Sentences Using “Pretender”
- He was exposed as a pretender when it was discovered that he wasn’t really a doctor.
- The pretender to the throne was caught after attempting to claim royal lineage through false documents.
- She felt embarrassed after being tricked by a pretender who posed as a celebrity.
- The scammer was a master pretender, able to fool even the most cautious individuals.
- A pretender to the job position lied about his experience during the interview process.
- He was just a pretender, trying to act like he knew everything when, in fact, he was clueless.
- The pretender was caught red-handed when his lack of qualifications became apparent.
- Despite being a pretender, he convinced many people that he was a successful entrepreneur.
- The team manager quickly identified the pretender who was faking his credentials to land the job.
- The pretender posed as a millionaire, but his lifestyle was a facade built on lies.
Synonyms for “Pretender”
- Impostor
- Fraud
- Deceiver
- Phony
- Fake
- Charlatan
- Mountebank
- Swindler
- Cheat
- Trickster
Antonyms for “Pretender”
- Real person
- Genuine individual
- Authentic person
- True identity
- Truth-teller
- Honest person
- Legitimate
- Sincere person
Phrasal Verbs for “Pretender”
- Put on (to assume a false identity or appearance)
- Act as if (to pretend to be someone or something)
- Fake it (to pretend to have knowledge, skill, or status)
- Make out to be (to present oneself as something one is not)
- Pass off as (to deceive others into believing something false about oneself)
- Play the part of (to assume the role of someone else, often falsely)
Idiomatic Expressions for “Pretender”
- A wolf in sheep’s clothing: A person who appears harmless or good but is actually deceptive or harmful, similar to a pretender.
- A Trojan horse: Something or someone that appears innocent or beneficial but is actually deceptive, often used for a pretender’s tactics.
- Pull the wool over someone’s eyes: To deceive or trick someone, much like a pretender would.
- Behind the mask: The idea of concealing one’s true identity, often used for pretenders.
- Fake it till you make it: To pretend to have a skill or ability until it becomes true, which can be seen as pretending or impersonating.
- Put on an act: To behave in a way that is not genuine, much like pretending to be something you’re not.
