Pretenders

Plural of 'pretender'. A pretender is a person who lays claim to a position, status, or right that they do not legitimately possess, often through deception, false pretense, or an unfounded assertion. This can relate to royalty, a title, a skill, an emotion, or any other attribute. They feign qualities or feelings, attempting to appear what they are not for personal gain, influence, or to manipulate others. pretenders may lack the actual knowledge, experience, or authenticity required for the role they seek to inhabit. Their actions are characterized by insincerity, falsehoods, and an attempt to deceive others about their true nature.

Pretenders meaning with examples

• The crowd quickly saw through the politician's carefully crafted facade, recognizing him as a mere **pretender** to genuine empathy, motivated only by ambition. His attempts at appearing relatable fell flat, failing to garner real support, and exposing his calculated approach. He proved a poor leader.
• History is filled with pretenders to the throne, each vying for power, many of whom were ultimately exposed as impostors. They often used elaborate strategies to try and seize their claim, trying to outwit their rivals, hoping to gain influence by the allure of royalty. The throne remained untouched by their efforts.
• Critics labeled the artist's work as the efforts of a **pretender**, arguing his techniques lacked true skill, and the final results, merely echoing the work of others. His sudden rise to fame was largely considered undeserved, with many considering him an opportunist. He had created little original material.
• The dating app became populated with pretenders, using deceptive profiles to gain attention from others, only to later reveal a far less glamorous truth. They frequently falsified their images, ages, and interests. Some hoped to create some drama and cause the people to dislike each other.
• Her acting career was initially built upon the foundation of pretenders, crafting melodramatic roles that showed no real depth of emotion, only theatrical gestures. It was only after years of dedicated training and hard work that her skills improved. The roles she performed had become less one-dimensional.