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 a prince from a foreign country. [pretender: noun]
Example
She was just pretending to be happy when she was really upset. [pretending: verb]
imposter
Example
The imposter posed as a doctor and treated patients without a license. [imposter: noun]
Example
He was caught trying to pass himself off as a famous musician. [passing off: phrasal verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pretender is more commonly used in everyday language, while imposter is more often used in formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pretender and imposter?
Imposter is generally considered more formal than pretender, as it is often used in legal or official contexts.
