impostor
noun
im·pos·tor
im-ˈpä-stər 
variants
or imposter
: one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception
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
Business imposter and online shopping scams were the two highest causes reported, with over 1,000 District complaints each.
—
Anna Spiegel, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025
Thus the cashew-milk-cheese-fry lover must be an imposter.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025
Also, unlike its many imposters (and there are many similar looking wireless lamps out there, so don’t be fooled), the Poldina comes with a 1-year warranty on the battery and a 2-year warranty for any defects.
—Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 27 Feb. 2025
Business is booming for immigration lawyers throughout South Florida, but some are warning potential clients to watch out for impostors looking to take advantage of a political climate that has thousands living day to day in fear.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2025
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.
Anna Spiegel, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025
Thus the cashew-milk-cheese-fry lover must be an imposter.
—Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025
Also, unlike its many imposters (and there are many similar looking wireless lamps out there, so don’t be fooled), the Poldina comes with a 1-year warranty on the battery and a 2-year warranty for any defects.
—Wilder Davies, Bon Appétit, 27 Feb. 2025
Business is booming for immigration lawyers throughout South Florida, but some are warning potential clients to watch out for impostors looking to take advantage of a political climate that has thousands living day to day in fear.
—Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for impostor
Cite this Entry
“Impostor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impostor. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share