hoax 1 of 2

Definition of hoaxnext
as in counterfeit
an imitation that is passed off as genuine the skeleton of the purported ancient hominid turned out to be a hoax

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

hoax

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hoax
Noun
The Pepsi-tampering mystery was unraveling today as several claims of objects found in soda cans were pronounced hoaxes. Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 17 June 2026 False claims about the virus, including that the epidemic was a hoax, have proliferated across the Central African nation, accelerating the spread of the disease in overcrowded displacement camps where hundreds of people often share a toilet, Reuters reported. Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 15 June 2026
Verb
Robby Soave delivers radar on Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard suggesting that President Obama’s administration orchestrated Russiagate collusion hoax in 2016. The Hill, 25 July 2025 The Jussie Smollett hoax hate crime attack saga is set to be explored in a new documentary. Peter White, Deadline, 22 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for hoax
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hoax
Noun
  • Luxus focuses on pristine-condition assets with clear provenance, reducing risks associated with counterfeits and quality degradation.
    Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • To me, the result didn’t taste like a cheap counterfeit but a breakthrough.
    Kevin West, Travel + Leisure, 9 June 2026
Verb
  • Ricky Saints tricked the referee into thinking Lil Yachty used the kendo stick on him, and after traveling all the way to Riyadh, Yachty was tossed out just minutes into the match.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Use a password manager so fake sites do not trick you into reusing passwords.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • The publicly available letter, which was dated June 18, comes as Europe prepares to start implementing more regulations under the AI Act this August, including the transparency obligations requiring companies to disclose deep fakes in audio and visual content.
    Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 23 June 2026
  • The fakes are similar to the genuine article in appearance, but some show poor craftsmanship.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Don’t be fooled; this isn’t your typical museum.
    Sierra Vandervort, Travel + Leisure, 20 June 2026
  • Don’t be fooled by its breezy ’60s-analog vintage pop sound.
    Daniel Kohn, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
Noun
  • Each quilt comes with two matching shams to complete the look, and the bedding uses ultrasonic binding instead of stitching so the filling doesn’t shift.
    Brandi Fuller, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 June 2026
  • The set also comes with two matching pillow shams for a cohesive look.
    Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • The thing is, a lot of people have a talent for deceiving the public.
    Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2026
  • Park and weather officials alike emphasize to Grand Canyon visitors that hiking conditions can be deceiving.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 June 2026
Noun
  • Charges included drug and gold trafficking, corruption, forgery and violations of exchange control regulations.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 June 2026
  • This one is an all-in-one device that includes forgery-proof palm-vein recognition technology, a 2K HD camera, and a rear lock video screen.
    Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Rather than immediately abandon his nonsense, Trump soon began suggesting the birth certificate was a phony.
    CNN.com Wire Service, Mercury News, 11 June 2026
  • At Dodger Stadium at the end of April, Crow-Amstrong also had to deal with the consequences of his actions — ripping Los Angeles Dodgers fans for being phonies in a Chicago magazine article that went viral.
    Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 22 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Hoax.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hoax. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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