pretender

[ pri-ten-der ]

noun

1. a person who pretends, especially for a dishonest purpose.
2. an aspirant or claimant (often followed by to ):

   a pretender to the throne.

3. a person who makes unjustified or false claims, statements, etc., as about personal status, abilities, intentions, or the like:

   a pretender to literary genius.

pretender

/ prɪˈtɛndə /

noun

1. a person who pretends or makes false allegations
2. a person who mounts a claim, as to a throne or title

Word History and Origins

Origin of pretender¹

First recorded in 1585–95; pretend + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Arsenal have been looking for every vital sign that this is the season when they will finally make the leap from pretenders to Premier League champions – but the indications are already ominous.

From BBC

It was a Sunday of high scoring in week six of the NFL as Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson beat out Washington Commanders' young pretender Jayden Daniels in the feature game of the day.

From BBC

Daniel Dubois was the heavyweight champion lacking a crowning moment, but on Saturday the young pretender from Greenwich legitimised his reign.

From BBC

“You are here because you love your country. Do not give an inch to pretenders who wrap themselves in the flag but spit in the face of freedoms it represents.”

From Los Angeles Times

The 100m breaststroke competition could be the ultimate showdown between a champion and the young pretender.

From BBC