impostor
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
Etymology
Origin of impostor
1580–90; < Late Latin, equivalent to Latin impos ( i )-, variant stem of impōnere to deceive, place on ( see impone) + -tor -tor
Vocabulary lists containing impostor
"The Tragedy of Macbeth," Vocabulary from Act 3
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"The Millionaire Miser"
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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.
Full-blown impostor syndrome can be crippling, and we miss opportunities to grow if we see every criticism as an affront.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026
I stayed silent in that group for days, convinced someone would realize I was an impostor.
From Slate • Apr. 12, 2026
His said his new position gave him a feeling of impostor syndrome.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 23, 2026
After a few more words of greeting, the impostor Melania flashed another smile as she exited.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026
It’s the first sign that maybe he’s not an impostor after all.
From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
