pretender
noun
pre·tend·er
pri-ˈten-dər 
: one that pretends: such as
a
: one who lays claim to something
specifically
: a claimant to a throne who is held to have no just title
b
: one who makes a false or hypocritical show
Synonyms
Examples of pretender in a Sentence
it turns out that the guy who claimed to work for a modeling agency was just a pretender
Recent Examples on the Web
In Saturday's game at Arizona (1:30 p.m., FOX) ASU has the chance to do something it's done only once before this century: go undefeated in November, the month in which good teams separate themselves from early-season pretenders.
—
Matthew Self, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024
Other pretender brands like Stellantis’s DS, and Hyundai’s Genesis look to be fighting a losing battle.
—Neil Winton, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
Those few Knights of the Round Table who remain are third-tier heroes, clinging to a past that is already washing out to sea, while various pretenders to the throne vye for power.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
After two consecutive first-round playoff exits, many analysts have shifted their perception of the Bucks from championship contenders to pretenders.
—Brian Sampson, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024
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Matthew Self, The Arizona Republic, 26 Nov. 2024
Other pretender brands like Stellantis’s DS, and Hyundai’s Genesis look to be fighting a losing battle.
—Neil Winton, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2024
Those few Knights of the Round Table who remain are third-tier heroes, clinging to a past that is already washing out to sea, while various pretenders to the throne vye for power.
—Erik Kain, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2024
After two consecutive first-round playoff exits, many analysts have shifted their perception of the Bucks from championship contenders to pretenders.
—Brian Sampson, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pretender
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Dictionary Entries Near pretender
Cite this Entry
“Pretender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretender. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
pretender
noun
pre·tend·er
pri-ˈten-dər
1
: a person who pretends
2
: a person who claims a throne without right
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