impersonate
verb (used with object)
to assume the character or appearance of; pretend to be.
have been impersonating
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present perfect progressiveof impersonate.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Trump’s pardon czar, Alice Marie Johnson, recently took to social media saying that people have been impersonating her and asking for a “processing fee” to help smooth the path to clemency.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
On June 24, Huntington Park police arrested Fernando Diaz, 23, on a bench warrant then discovered items inside his vehicle that led them to believe he may have been impersonating a U.S.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 3, 2025
Just like Ms. Abbass, she urged Harvard to investigate, emailing the university that “Someone/group of people have been impersonating senior Harvard officials and forging their signatures, and must be brought to book.”
From New York Times ● Dec. 16, 2021
The spokesman did not explain why it had been flagged for impersonation, or who it might have been impersonating.
From New York Times ● Dec. 13, 2021
Scam artists have been impersonating professional athletes for ages, and their tales are marked by two repeating themes.
From Slate ● Oct. 20, 2011
