Impostor: meaning, definitions and examples

Generally used to describe a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others. Commonly used in serious or formal contexts.

• The police caught the impostor who was pretending to be a doctor.
• He felt like an impostor in his new job.

Refers to someone who claims to be something or someone they are not, often used in historical or royal contexts.

• The pretender to the throne was finally captured.
• He is just a pretender trying to fit in with the group.

Used to describe someone who lies or tricks people to get what they want. Can be used in both serious and casual contexts.

• Beware of deceivers who try to scam you online.
• She was heartbroken when she discovered he was a deceiver.

A variant spelling of 'impostor,' used inter-changeably but more commonly seen in American English.

• The imposter managed to infiltrate the organization.
• Feeling like an imposter, she doubted her own accomplishments.

Used when someone takes on a false identity or pretends to be someone they are not, typically to deceive others for personal gain.

• The man claiming to be the prince was an impostor.
• The impostor fooled everyone at the event.

Refers to a person who uses deception to achieve financial gain or other benefits. It's often used in context with illegal activities.

• The accountant was arrested for committing tax fraud.
• She discovered that the charity was a fraud.

Describes something or someone that is fake or not genuine, often in a casual or colloquial setting. It can also refer to insincere behavior.

• His accent was totally phony.
• Don't buy that phony designer bag.