One-word substitution (deception and showmanship): Choose the correct term for a person who tries to deceive people by claiming the ability to do wonderful or extraordinary things. Context: The emphasis is on trickery and false claims rather than stage magic as an art. Instruction: Select the best single-word substitute.

Given data

• Description: Someone deceiving others with claims of wonderful feats.
• Distinguish from legitimate performers and adjacent labels.

Concept / Approach
A trickster is a deceiver who uses tricks. Although mountebank is a classic word for a charlatan selling quack remedies by showmanship, the broader and plainer ‘‘trickster’’ directly captures the intent to deceive with supposed wonders.

Elimination
Trickster — deceiver using tricks; fits broadly. ✅Imposter — assumes false identity; may overlap but not necessarily about ‘‘wonderful things’’. ❌Magician — entertainer using illusions without claiming genuine powers. ❌Mountebank — quack/showy charlatan; precise but less commonly understood; not required by prompt. ❌

Example
‘‘The trickster promised miracle cures to gullible crowds.’’

Common pitfalls

• Confusing an entertainer (magician) with a deceiver who claims real powers.

Final Answer
Trickster