pretender

noun

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

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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.
To add to the challenge, Brady also left his mark on the latest pretender to his crown. — Peter Carline, New York Times, 26 June 2026 Dogs can tell the difference between an actual alpha and a pretender. — Noel Murray, Vulture, 5 June 2026 This is where hype turns into hard numbers, and contenders start getting separated from pretenders. — Geoff Clark Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026 Now, hardship seems to be an end in itself, a battle scar or badge of honor that distinguishes true backpackers from mere pretenders. — Tim Brinkhof, Time, 4 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for pretender

Word History

Etymology

pretend entry 1 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pretender was in 1583

Rhymes for pretender

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Browse Nearby Words

pretended
pretender
pretenderism
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Cite this Entry

“Pretender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretender. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of pretender for Spanish Speakers

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