impostor

noun

im·​pos·​tor im-ˈpä-stər 

variants or imposter

: one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception

Synonyms

• charlatan
• fake
• faker
• fakir
• fraud
• hoaxer
• humbug
• mountebank
• phony
• phoney
• pretender
• quack
• quacksalver
• ringer
• sham

Examples of impostor in a Sentence

He claimed he was an experienced pilot, but he turned out to be an impostor.

the man who claimed to be a prince turned out to be an impostor

Recent Examples on the Web

Legitimate candidates face tougher hurdles while impostors glide through. —Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

The success of the impostor scam illuminates another reason criminals are able to bilk Americans today. —Alana Semuels, TIME, 18 Sep. 2024

These kinds of supportive environments can reduce impostor feelings and create space for growth. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Once hired, the impostor can install malware to demand ransom from a company, or steal its customer data, trade secrets or funds, according to Balasubramaniyan. —Hugh Son, CNBC, 8 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin impostor, from Latin imponere

First Known Use

1564, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing impostor

• impostor syndrome

Rhymes for impostor

• exhauster
• imposter
• coster
• roster
• zoster

Kids Definition

impostor

noun

im·​pos·​tor

variants or imposter

im-ˈpäs-tər 

: a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive

Legal Definition

impostor

noun

im·​pos·​tor

variants or imposter

im-ˈpäs-tər 

: one that assumes a false identity or title for the purpose of deception : impersonator