- Definition
- Definition
- Synonyms
- Example Sentences
- Word History
- Phrases Containing
- Related Articles
- Entries Near
-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
impostor
noun
im·pos·tor
im-ˈpä-stər
variants
or imposter
: one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception
Synonyms
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
But don’t be fooled — what might seem like a clandestine cannabis crop is often just a harmless impostor.
—Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 25 June 2024
While that may have been the case, the country’s oligarchs have unwittingly turned this volatile impostor into a folk hero whose power may not diminish even outside the chancellor’s sphere of influence.
—Scott Tobias, Vulture, 17 Mar. 2024
The only people who never feel like impostors are the real impostors.
—Melody Wilding, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Which was presumably not difficult to do after Daniela, having at last discovered that the man sleeping in her bed for the past month was an impostor, bonked Jason B on the head and shoved him down the basement stairs.
—Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for impostor
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.
Word History
Etymology
Late Latin impostor, from Latin imponere
First Known Use
1564, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing impostor
Dictionary Entries Near impostor
Cite this Entry
“Impostor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impostor. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
impostor
noun
im·pos·tor
variants
or imposter
: a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive
Legal Definition
impostor
noun
im·pos·tor
variants
or imposter
: one that assumes a false identity or title for the purpose of deception : impersonator
More from Merriam-Webster on impostor
Nglish: Translation of impostor for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of impostor for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share