impostor

American  

[im-pos-ter] / ɪmˈpɒs tər /

Or imposter

noun

1. a person who practices deception under an assumed character, identity, or name.

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impostor British  

/ ɪmˈpɒstə /

noun

1. a person who deceives others, esp by assuming a false identity; charlatan

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Etymology

Origin of impostor

1580–90; < Late Latin, equivalent to Latin impos ( i )-, variant stem of impōnere to deceive, place on ( impone ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

“That little flicker—it can plant itself in you and blossom into self-doubt, impostor syndrome,” she says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

Then he secretly purchases a passel of tortoises; constructs a long-handled grabber; leans down from his balcony; extracts Alfie; and, each week, substitutes a slightly heavier impostor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

His said his new position gave him a feeling of impostor syndrome.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026

Even though impostor feelings are common among high achievers, many people keep them to themselves.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2026

So even though I felt a little bit like an impostor crashing someone’s death day, I decided to go along.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman

Related Words

• con artist
• hypocrite