impostors

noun

variants or imposters
plural of impostor
as in frauds
one who makes false claims of identity or expertise the man who claimed to be a prince turned out to be an impostor

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of impostors Few imposters have been quite as easy to spot as Terran Empire Spock, however, whose trademark goatee is something of a giveaway. — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2026 Players get points for correctly calling out imposters, or remaining undetected as impostors. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026 Then check your insurance account and watch for imposters who know just enough to sound convincing. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 July 2026 Heroes have to figure out who's who, what's going on, and if longtime friends are actual allies or extraterrestrial imposters. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 8 July 2026 This stops deepfakes and imposters. — Rohan Pinto, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 When news of Israel’s secret outposts in Iraq’s desert emerged, Iraqis admonished their leaders as traitors, and the boisterous militiamen affiliated with the government as impostors for allowing their land to be colonized by an enemy. — Nabil Salih, Time, 26 May 2026 Other professional sports associations, including the major pro leagues, have taken similar measures as NASCAR in attempting to protect their brands and fans from fraudulent imposters. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 May 2026 The 2025 major league impostors did not win a series until June. — Troy Renck, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for impostors
  1. frauds
  2. fakes
  3. pretenders
  4. shams
Noun
  • In 2018, Modi was accused by Indian authorities of orchestrating one of the country’s largest bank frauds in modern history.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • In 2024, Bankman-Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison for orchestrating what prosecutors have called one of the biggest financial frauds in American history.
    — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of frauds
Noun
  • The Institute assists some 2,700 museums, libraries, and archival organizations, and, in this case, assisted the Ontario Provincial Police, exposing fakes and ultimately testifying for the prosecution in the trial of one of the fraudsters.
    — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The second-round pass rusher made aggressive mistakes, falling twice for option fakes and overrunning a screen pass early.
    — Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2026
Definition of fakes
Noun
  • The schedule is forgivable, even by ACC standards, but a rematch on the road against Notre Dame will separate the Canes as contenders or pretenders.
    — Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 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
Definition of pretenders
Noun
  • The set also comes with two matching pillow shams to tie everything together.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 20 Aug. 2026
  • Filling Decorative Pillow Shams Decorative pillow shams in guest bedrooms that get little use offer an easy way to repurpose old towels.
    — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of shams

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Cite this Entry

“Impostors.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/impostors. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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