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pretender

[pri-ten-der] / prɪˈtɛn dər /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of the last shah of Iran and pretender to the throne, was a scheduled speaker, and the event was packed with Iranian monarchists.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

Like many previous movies about those who ply that physical trade, “Rental Family” explores the anguish of a paid pretender troubled by increasingly genuine feelings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Artists can sniff out genius from fakes, and Thanos sure looks like a parody of a pretender T.O.P. has encountered in the wild.

From Salon • Jan. 5, 2025

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

From BBC • Jul. 21, 2024

I don’t know who to be: the one who admits that I can’t do it, or the pretender.

From "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt