impostor

noun

im·​pos·​tor im-ˈpä-stər How to pronounce impostor (audio)
variants or imposter
Synonyms of impostor
: one that assumes false identity or title for the purpose of deception

Synonyms of impostor

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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
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.
Six players choose Izzy as the impostor, and not for the last time in this episode. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2026 In Orange County, Rivera reported her impostor to the state bar, which is investigating. — Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026 Such impostor scams, when a criminal pretends to be a legitimate business or even a government official, are proliferating and morphing at an accelerated rate as artificial intelligence makes impersonation easier than ever. — Bill Lukitsch, Boston Herald, 13 July 2026 About $920 million of the losses stemmed from government-impostor scams, a $131 million jump from 2024. — Ella Moore july 2, Miami Herald, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for impostor

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin impostor, from Latin imponere

First Known Use

1564, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of impostor was in 1564

Phrases Containing impostor

Rhymes for impostor

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Browse Nearby Words

imposterous
impostor
impostor syndrome
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Cite this Entry

“Impostor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/impostor. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

impostor

noun
im·​pos·​tor
variants or imposter
im-ˈpäs-tər How to pronounce impostor (audio)
: a person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive

Legal Definition

impostor

noun
im·​pos·​tor
variants or imposter
im-ˈpäs-tər How to pronounce impostor (audio)
: 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

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