charlatan

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.

In Renaissance England, skillful surgeons and herb-dispensing healers competed with charlatan doctors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 6, 2026

As portrayed in “Death by Lightning,” Guiteau is a rotten-toothed, scheming, big-dreaming, delusional charlatan and possible sociopath.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2025

Passing sentence Judge Geoffery Baker QC described Saeed as a "charlatan", who had carried out a deception that had been "cunningly contrived, skilfully executed, and brazenly maintained over three decades".

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2025

Elizabeth Holmes’ blood-testing company was able to stay above water through many months of skeptical reporting, but it all eroded quickly once enough people were clear that the founder was a charlatan.

From Slate • Nov. 8, 2023

I want to think he’s an actor, a charlatan, a fake.

From "Every Day" by David Levithan