Definition of falsenext
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as in fraudulent
marked by, based on, or done by the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value false advertising that claimed that the vegetables were organically grown when they weren't

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word false different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of false are disloyal, faithless, perfidious, traitorous, and treacherous. While all these words mean "untrue to what should command one's fidelity or allegiance," false stresses the fact of failing to be true in any manner ranging from fickleness to cold treachery.

betrayed by false friends

When is disloyal a more appropriate choice than false?

Although the words disloyal and false have much in common, disloyal implies a lack of complete faithfulness to a friend, cause, leader, or country.

disloyal to their country

When is it sensible to use faithless instead of false?

The words faithless and false can be used in similar contexts, but faithless applies to any failure to keep a promise or pledge or any breach of allegiance or loyalty.

faithless allies

How are the words perfidious and faithless related as synonyms of false?

Perfidious adds to faithless the implication of an incapacity for fidelity or reliability.

a perfidious double-crosser

Where would traitorous be a reasonable alternative to false?

In some situations, the words traitorous and false are roughly equivalent. However, traitorous implies either actual treason or a serious betrayal of trust.

traitorous acts punishable by death

When can treacherous be used instead of false?

The synonyms treacherous and false are sometimes interchangeable, but treacherous implies readiness to betray trust or confidence.

a treacherous adviser

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 false Sanchez submitted more than $79,000 in false Medicaid claims. Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2026 Marcum later confirmed to investigators that Prescott and Belen left the bank on the motorcycle together, and told police that Belen threatened her into making the false 911 call. Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 26 June 2026 Comey was charged with making a false statement and obstruction in connection with nearly five-year-old testimony to the Senate. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 26 June 2026 Swatting attempts — false calls intended to sic law enforcement on a target's home — have become increasingly common for political and public figures. Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for false
Recent Examples of Synonyms for false
Adjective
  • Although Rodman’s research shows that generative AI can help diagnose rare diseases or make sense of unusual symptoms, a randomized trial that was published in NEJM AI just the week before found that intentionally erroneous output from an AI model can easily lead doctors astray.
    Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 17 June 2026
  • The good news is, though, that while an erroneous freeze can cause big trouble with your bills, it can usually be reversed.
    Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 15 June 2026
Adjective
  • Vxhinqy Crossbody Phone Strap With a faux leather strap, this universal lanyard is made for travelers who want both comfort and security.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 24 June 2026
  • Mavericks fans staged a faux funeral complete with a casket a day later in front of the Dirk Nowitzki statue outside American Airlines Center.
    Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • Merchandise including counterfeit perfumes, Rolex watches, knockoff Knicks apparel, sunglasses, electronics and Labubus were seized, in addition to $145,000 in cash, police said.
    Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 27 June 2026
  • According to the sheriff's office, Major Crimes Detectives responded to the scene to collect evidence, which included several sheets of counterfeit currency.
    Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Adjective
  • After a season of travel, video and phone calls and texts speaking with agents, scouts, coaches, family members and those around these players, here is my final mock draft for the 2026 NHL Draft.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 23 June 2026
  • The mock-neck adds a chic touch, and the color selection is genuinely impressive.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 22 June 2026
Adjective
  • Representing Daniell, attorney Chris Timmons said the lawsuit centers on what his client alleges was a fraudulent transfer of the property's ownership.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 26 June 2026
  • Thomas and Ballard showed authorities fraudulent credentials to an unrelated sporting event, the affidavit said.
    Sofia Saric June 25, Miami Herald, 25 June 2026
Adjective
  • And at the very center of Hell is Satan himself, the traitorous Archangel Lucifer, depicted as a monstrous creature with wings and three heads.
    Keith Cooper, Space.com, 11 May 2026
  • Russell fabricates a lie with the rest of the villains, and the heroes believe it, despite a warning from one traitorous tribemate.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • This headline is so misleading.
    U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • Pretending that’s not going to happen is misleading and wrong.
    Gene Marks, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Adjective
  • This commonly results from inaccurate color representation, poor fit or discrepancies between the physical item and its depiction on the website.
    Tal Lev-Ami, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Choi said McGee would use terminology that could have swayed a jury and sometimes provided an inaccurate window for a time of death.
    Aki Nace, CBS News, 23 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“False.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/false. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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