false

adjective

\ ˈfȯls

falser; falsest

Definition of false

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : not genuine false documents false teeth

2a : intentionally untrue false testimony

b : adjusted or made so as to deceive false scales a trunk with a false bottom

c : intended or tending to mislead a false promise

3 : not true false concepts

4a : not faithful or loyal : treacherous a false friend

b : lacking naturalness or sincerity false sympathy

5a : not essential or permanent —used of parts of a structure that are temporary or supplemental

b : fitting over a main part to strengthen it, to protect it, or to disguise its appearance a false ceiling

6 : inaccurate in pitch a false note

7a : based on mistaken ideas false pride

b : inconsistent with the facts a false position a false sense of security

8 : threateningly sudden or deceptive don't make any false moves

false

adverb

Definition of false (Entry 2 of 2)

: in a false or faithless manner : treacherously his friends played him false

Other Words from false Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about false

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Choose the Right Synonym for false

Adjective

faithless, false, disloyal, traitorous, treacherous, perfidious mean untrue to what should command one's fidelity or allegiance. faithless applies to any failure to keep a promise or pledge or any breach of allegiance or loyalty. faithless allies false stresses the fact of failing to be true in any manner ranging from fickleness to cold treachery. betrayed by false friends disloyal implies a lack of complete faithfulness to a friend, cause, leader, or country. disloyal to their country traitorous implies either actual treason or a serious betrayal of trust. traitorous acts punishable by death treacherous implies readiness to betray trust or confidence. a treacherous adviser perfidious adds to faithless the implication of an incapacity for fidelity or reliability. a perfidious double-crosser

Examples of false in a Sentence

Adjective

Indicate whether each of the following statements is true or false. He registered at the hotel under a false name.

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

His remarks contained a number of false statements and dangerous rhetoric that only increases the stigma and confusion around reproductive rights. — Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "What President Trump Got Wrong About Abortion in His State of the Union Address," 6 Feb. 2019 If a particular news story is reported as false by many people, Facebook employees will look at it and determine if that assessment is accurate. — Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "Facebook Has a Secret 'Trustworthiness Score' For Users," 21 Aug. 2018 This detail has since been reported by sources at People as false, with TMZ also retracting its earlier claims. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Demi Lovato's Team Releases an Official Statement About Her Overdose," 25 July 2018 Under the plea agreement, Santana would plead guilty to one count false statements and two counts stalking, all felonies. — Anne Ryman, azcentral, "Ex-NAU professor accused of stalking hotshot fire crew members takes plea deal," 10 July 2018 In November 2017, Washington pleaded guilty in federal court in Kansas City, Mo., to making a false statement on his tax return and to aggravated identity theft. — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY, "Former NBA player Kermit Washington sentenced to six years in federal prison for charity fraud," 10 July 2018 Flynn pleaded guilty in December to making false statements to investigators probing Russian meddling in the 2016 election for special counsel Robert Mueller. — NBC News, "Michael Flynn pushes for faster sentencing in Russia probe," 10 July 2018 He also is accused of violating immigration laws for allegedly making false statements in visa applications. — John R. Ellement, BostonGlobe.com, "Wellesley man arrested in alleged export plot tied to marine equipment," 6 July 2018 This included blue and pink eye shadows, false lashes, winged liner — the works. — Kaleigh Fasanella, Allure, "This Woman Started Wearing Full Glam to Spite Her Makeup-Shaming Coworker," 3 May 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adverb

Any assertion otherwise on the latter front rings false given that, as acting commissioner, Selig had to have known about the FBI’s Operation Equine, an early ’90s investigation into PED distribution that included McGwire and Canseco. — Jay Jaffe, SI.com, "Roger Clemens, Arguably the Greatest Pitcher of All-Time, Is Trending Toward Hall of Fame Induction," 13 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'false.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.