fraudulent

adjective

fraud·​u·​lent ˈfrȯ-jə-lənt 

: characterized by, based on, or done by fraud : deceitful

fraudulent use of a credit card

fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation

—Wall Street Journal

fraudulently adverb

fraudulentness noun

Synonyms of fraudulent

• dishonest
• false
• deceptive

Examples of fraudulent in a Sentence

Corrupt leaders were chosen in a fraudulent election.

fraudulent use of a credit card

the victim of a fraudulent scheme

Recent Examples on the Web

The city alleges the nonprofit obtained a state grant through a fraudulent application and failed to properly notify officials or meet community-engagement requirements. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 23 Sep. 2026

Home title monitoring cannot stop someone from entering your property or prevent a fraudulent filing. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 Sep. 2026

The city is sounding the alarm over fraudulent invoices that are directing permit applicants, residents and businesses to pay a fraudster by wire transfer. — Michelle Marchante september 23, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026

The report defined improper or fraudulent enrollment as individuals misstating their income to gain access to free plans. — Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 22 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fraudulent

adjective

fraud·​u·​lent ˈfrȯ-jə-lənt 

: based on or done by fraud

fraudulently adverb

fraudulentness noun

Legal Definition

fraudulent

adjective

fraud·​u·​lent

: characterized by, based on, or done by fraud compare deceptive, false, misleading

fraudulently adverb