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
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 the ensuing decade, the Yankees have cycled through at least 18 pretenders to Jeter's legacy.
—
Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
King portrays Prince John, younger brother to Richard, son of King Henry, and a dangerous pretender to the throne.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Stars welcome these challenges while pretenders struggle with reality.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
What used to be a very niche field with only a small handful of offerings has become a cottage industry full of contenders and pretenders, and any number of startups offering a readymade conversion for your bike.
—Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, Wired News, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretender
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Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 July 2025
King portrays Prince John, younger brother to Richard, son of King Henry, and a dangerous pretender to the throne.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 1 July 2025
Stars welcome these challenges while pretenders struggle with reality.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
What used to be a very niche field with only a small handful of offerings has become a cottage industry full of contenders and pretenders, and any number of startups offering a readymade conversion for your bike.
—Michael Venutolo-Mantovani, Wired News, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for pretender
Cite this Entry
“Pretender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretender. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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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