impostor

noun

im·​pos·​tor im-ˈpä-stər 

variants or imposter

: one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception

Synonyms

• pretender
• phoney
• faker
• charlatan
• fake
• actor
• mountebank
• quack
• phony
• hoaxer
• fraud
• fakir

Examples of impostor in a Sentence

He claimed he was an experienced pilot, but he turned out to be an impostor.

the man who claimed to be a prince turned out to be an impostor

Recent Examples on the Web

In May 2024, the Justice Department alleged that more than 300 U.S. companies had unknowingly hired impostors tied to North Korea for remote IT roles, resulting in at least $6.8 million in overseas revenue. —Anuz Thapa,hugh Son, CNBC, 11 July 2025

Twelve minutes later, Vance’s account was flagged as a possible impostor and taken down. —Morgan Kromer, The Washington Examiner, 19 June 2025

Up to 70% of people experience impostor feelings at some point. —Neerja Bhatia, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

The Reframe: From Proving To Exploring Breaking free from the impostor myth isn’t about proving more. —Neerja Bhatia, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin impostor, from Latin imponere

First Known Use

1564, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing impostor

• impostor syndrome

Rhymes for impostor

• exhauster
• imposter
• coster
• roster
• zoster

Kids Definition

impostor

noun

im·​pos·​tor

variants or imposter

im-ˈpäs-tər 

: a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive

Legal Definition

impostor

noun

im·​pos·​tor

variants or imposter

im-ˈpäs-tər 

: one that assumes a false identity or title for the purpose of deception : impersonator