: not genuine : counterfeit, sham
a bogus claim
The evidence was completely bogus.
bogusly
adverb
bogusness
noun
Did you know?
Bogus Has a Long History
In the early 19th century, a "bogus" was a machine used to make counterfeit coins. No one knows for sure how this coin-copying contraption got its name, but before long bogus became a name for funny money or for a fraudulent imitation of any kind. The more common "phony" adjective followed.
Examples of bogus in a Sentence
It was just a bogus claim.
The evidence was completely bogus.
Recent Examples on the Web
While many experts have deemed the lawsuit to be bogus, CBS parent Paramount Global has begun discussing a settlement, especially as company chair Shari Redstone looks to complete a merger with Skydance Media — a deal that will require signoff from Carr’s FCC.
—
Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
For example, its on-device intelligence should now recognize more common scam-text patterns, such as bogus toll-road overdue-balance alerts.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
Co-conspirators then helped the clients prepare false federal income tax returns that fraudulently deducted the bogus business expenses, which federal authorities said were just payments to the company.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
In 2021 and 2022, Robinson received about $76,000 through the bogus billing scheme, according to prosecutors.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bogus
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Liam Reilly, CNN Money, 15 May 2025
For example, its on-device intelligence should now recognize more common scam-text patterns, such as bogus toll-road overdue-balance alerts.
—Rob Pegoraro, PC Magazine, 14 May 2025
Co-conspirators then helped the clients prepare false federal income tax returns that fraudulently deducted the bogus business expenses, which federal authorities said were just payments to the company.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025
In 2021 and 2022, Robinson received about $76,000 through the bogus billing scheme, according to prosecutors.
—Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for bogus
Cite this Entry
“Bogus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bogus. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
bogus
adjective
bo·gus
ˈbō-gəs 
: not genuine : counterfeit, sham
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