What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pretender
Example
The pretender claimed to be the long-lost heir to the throne. [pretender: noun]
Example
She was just a pretender, pretending to be interested in his hobbies. [pretender: adjective]
charlatan
Example
The charlatan claimed to have a cure for cancer. [charlatan: noun]
Example
He was exposed as a charlatan when his fraudulent schemes were uncovered. [charlatan: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pretender is more commonly used in everyday language than charlatan. Pretender is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while charlatan is more formal and less common.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pretender and charlatan?
Charlatan is a more formal word than pretender, and is often used in academic or professional settings. Pretender is more casual and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
