# pretender

/pɹiˈtɛndɝ/ (US) · /pɹɪtˈɛndɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pretender
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

someone who claims to have a right to a position of power, like a king, but is not actually the true owner. It is often used in history to describe people who try to take over a throne.

For teachers: a person who claims to be the rightful possessor of a title, office, or property, especially a monarch. Often carries a derogatory or pejorative tone, implying the claim is fraudulent or illegitimate.

## Examples

- The king defeated the pretender to the throne.
- Historians often debate whether the pretender actually believed he had a legal claim to the crown or was simply using it for political leverage.
- The novel explores the psychological toll on a pretender who must maintain a facade of royal authority while knowing his lineage is entirely fabricated.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.