falsify

verb

fal·​si·​fy ˈfȯl-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce falsify (audio)
falsified; falsifying

transitive verb

1
: to prove or declare false : disprove
2
: to make false: such as
a
: to make false by mutilation or addition
the accounts were falsified to conceal a theft
b
: to represent falsely : misrepresent
3
: to prove unsound by experience

intransitive verb

: to tell lies : lie
falsifiable adjective
falsification noun
falsifier noun

Examples of falsify in a Sentence

He was caught falsifying financial accounts. taking that statement completely out of context essentially falsifies it, whether that's your intention or not
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The charges of conspiracy to falsify records, conspiracy to commit extortion, extortion, honest services mail fraud, and falsification of records can lead to a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 12 May 2025 After Shane calls to give her the news, Mel eventually makes it to the hospital — mainly to confront Keith about falsifying his complicity in Heather’s death. Kimberly Roots, TVLine, 1 May 2025 Michael Scheuer was fired for falsifying allergen information and printing profane language. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025 Zoom out: Santos pleaded guilty last year to falsifying campaign finance records in order to obtain support from the National Republican Congressional Committee for his successful 2022 House campaign. Andrew Solender, Axios, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for falsify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English falsifien, from Middle French falsifier, from Medieval Latin falsificare, from Latin falsus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of falsify was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Falsify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falsify. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

falsify

verb
fal·​si·​fy ˈfȯl-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce falsify (audio)
falsified; falsifying
: to make false : change so as to deceive
falsify financial accounts
falsification noun
falsifier noun

Legal Definition

falsify

transitive verb
fal·​si·​fy ˈfȯl-si-ˌfī How to pronounce falsify (audio)
falsified; falsifying
: to make false: as
a
: to make (as a document) false by mutilation, alteration, or addition
the motel clerk had falsified the recordsM. A. Kelly
b
: to report (as information) falsely
the informant falsified his testimony

More from Merriam-Webster on falsify

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!