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

The targeting of political ads and the proliferation of false or misleading articles has tripped up Facebook. — New York Times, "Nextdoor Is Betting a Social Network Can Still Be a Platform for Politics," 13 July 2018 Further, if those persons lied to law enforcement, they could also be charged with making false or misleading statements. — Michael Mccann, SI.com, "Potential Legal Ramifications of the Disturbing Accusations Against LeSean McCoy," 11 July 2018 Anyone who tells you this is somehow going to lower the standard at these schools is buying into a false and damaging narrative. — Harry Bruinius, The Christian Science Monitor, "'Keep the test!' A debate flares over exam-based public high schools.," 6 July 2018 Shooter, in his counterclaim, says comments Ugenti-Rita made about him on social media and in interviews were false and defamatory. — Richard Ruelas, azcentral, "Lawsuits fly as ousted Rep. Don Shooter vows to repair his own reputation," 6 July 2018 Price submitted false and fictitious status reports and invoices through MJ-6 to the prime contractor. — Allan Vought, The Aegis, "Man pleads guilty to fraud in connection with Aberdeen Proving Ground contracting scandal," 29 June 2018 In his lawsuit, Ramos said the article contained false and defamatory statements, and injured his reputation. — Denise Lavoie, Houston Chronicle, "Shooting suspect had bitter history with Maryland newspaper," 29 June 2018 Berthume, meanwhile, talked about fake social media accounts — some tied to Russia — that tend to spread false or controversial reports, bombarding people across the world with information. — Anna M. Tinsley, star-telegram, "'Russian Bots, Propaganda, and You': Texas Democrats learn how to stay safe online," 23 June 2018 Hamilton said the charges are false and driven by political opponents who made the complaint a week before the May 22 primary. — Phillip M. Bailey, The Courier-Journal, "Investigation continues into Derby spending by Metro Council Democrat," 21 June 2018

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.