mountebank

/maʊntˈɛbæŋk/

Definitions

1. noun

a person who pretends to have knowledge or qualifications they do not possess, especially in medicine or other sciences

“The quack’s reputation was ruined when the public discovered he was a mountebank.”

2. verb

to make exaggerated or false claims, especially to obtain money or advantage

“The mountebank salesperson was accused of exaggerating the benefits of the product.”

Synonyms

  • charlatan
  • impostor
  • quack

Antonyms

  • authoritative
  • expert