faux

adjective

ˈfō 

: not real or genuine: such as

a

: made to look like something else that is usually more valuable : imitation, fake

faux leather/fur

a string of faux pearls

… faux is the French word for fake, but it's a very chic fake. Faux marble, for example, is found in the best of homes.

—Sylvia Sachs

b

: not sincere

a show of faux [=feigned] concern

On Monday the CEO dusted off a version of the "I'm sorry if I offended you" faux apology used when people really mean, "I'm sorry I got caught."

—The East Bay (California) Times

Synonyms

• synthetic
• fake
• simulated
• artificial
• imitation
• dummy
• false
• mock

Examples of faux in a Sentence

even the celebrity interior designer was fooled by the faux marble

Recent Examples on the Web

Merokeety Long-Sleeve Bodycon Sweater Dress This long-sleeve sweater dress feels like a sweatshirt, but the gold buttons, empire waist, and faux front pockets give it a professional look. —Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025

The slippers are lined with plush faux fur and have durable rubber soles that are safe for outdoor wear. —Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025

In 2021, streetwear brand Supreme collaborated with Nike on two colorways of the boot draped in faux snakeskin. —Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025

And while the real thing is a great gift idea for seasoned green thumbs, novice plant owners can still enjoy the look (minus the fussy upkeep) with this faux version that looks surprisingly realistic. —Kristi Kellogg, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, false

First Known Use

1682, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing faux

• faux hawk
• faux-naïf
• faux-naif
• faux pas

Rhymes for faux

• beau
• beaux
• blow
• boe
• bro
• coe
• crow
• doe
• doh
• dough
• eau
• eaux

Kids Definition

faux

adjective

ˈfō 

: imitation entry 2

faux marble

Etymology

from French, "false," from Latin falsus