noun
pretender
prih-TEHN-duhr
Pretender (noun) means someone who claims a right to a position, especially a throne, though the claim is often disputed. Example: “The exiled prince remained a pretender to the throne for decades.”
noun
1
Someone who claims a right to a position, especially a throne, though the claim is often disputed.
"The exiled prince remained a pretender to the throne for decades."
2
Someone who fakes a quality, belief, or status they don't genuinely have.
"He turned out to be a pretender with no real expertise in the field."
How to use pretender
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a rival claimant to a title, or someone faking who they really are.
Common pairings
pretender to the throne
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Word forms
- Plural
- pretenders
- Third person singular
- pretenders
- Past tense
- pretendered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The exiled prince remained a _____ to the throne for decades.
Etymology
From pretend + -er.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for pretender
See all rhymes for pretender →Frequently asked questions
What does “pretender” mean?
The word “pretender” means someone who claims a right to a position, especially a throne, though the claim is often disputed. In plain terms, either a rival claimant to a title, or someone faking who they really are.
How do you pronounce “pretender”?
“Pretender” is pronounced prih-TEHN-duhr (/pɹɪˈtɛndəɹ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pretender” in a sentence?
Here is “pretender” used in a sentence: “The exiled prince remained a pretender to the throne for decades.”
What part of speech is “pretender”?
“Pretender” is a noun.
How many meanings does “pretender” have?
“Pretender” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: someone who claims a right to a position, especially a throne, though the claim is often disputed.
