1. a person who claims or aspires to a title or position, especially to a throne
Usage: historical
2. a person who pretends to be someone or something they are not

Examples

• The young pretender claimed the throne after the king’s death.
• Bonnie Prince Charlie was known as the Young Pretender to the British throne.
• He was exposed as a pretender who had falsified his credentials.
• The pretender convinced many people that he was a wealthy businessman.
• She saw through his act and knew he was just a pretender.
• The pretender to the crown gathered supporters for his cause.