falsify

verb

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

transitive verb

1
: to prove or declare false : disprove
falsify a theory
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
falsify a promise

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.
Amanda initially pleaded not guilty to her falsifying documents and wire fraud charges, but switched to a guilty plea in October 2021. Jessica Sager, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 The declaration also highlights the need to report facts, not suppress or falsify information, and avoid discrimination, bribery, and calumny. Encyclopedia Britannica, 11 May 2026 Thorsen was indicted on wire fraud and money laundering, not for falsifying medical research. Sasha Pezenik, ABC News, 8 May 2026 Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson faces a 30-count grand jury indictment, charging her with malfeasance, obstruction of justice and falsifying public records. CBS News, 30 Apr. 2026 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 14 May. 2026.

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

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