What is a common synonym for 'charlatan'?

A common synonym for "charlatan" is "fraud" because both terms convey the idea of deception or trickery, typically for the purpose of gaining something of value, such as money or admiration. A charlatan is someone who pretends to have knowledge or skill in a particular area but lacks the actual expertise or qualifications, often to exploit others. Therefore, referring to a charlatan as a fraud underscores the dishonest nature of their actions and the false claims they make about their abilities or knowledge.

In contrast, the other options refer to individuals with legitimate qualifications or expertise. A professional typically has acknowledged credentials in their field, an expert is someone who possesses specialized knowledge, and a scholar is a person engaged in academic study or research. None of these terms imply deceit or trickery, making them distinctly different from "charlatan" and "fraud."