pretender

noun

pre·​tend·​er pri-ˈten-dər How to pronounce pretender (audio)
: 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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 Granted, August contenders can morph into November pretenders. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pretender 

Word History

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pretender was in 1583

Dictionary Entries Near pretender

Cite this Entry

“Pretender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretender. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pretender

noun
pre·​tend·​er pri-ˈten-dər How to pronounce pretender (audio)
1
: a person who pretends
2
: a person who claims a throne without right

More from Merriam-Webster on pretender

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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