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 of faux

• 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

With a more silver-forward tone than the other evergreen-heavy garlands on this list, Pottery Barn’s faux juniper option is sure to provide a welcome contrast from the rest of your holiday decor. —Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2025

Others dismissed the backlash by chalking it up to faux outrage from a generation that is too online looking for reasons to feel offended. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 4 Nov. 2025

Available in two widths, these faux leather boots have the brand’s signature Soft System cushioned footbed for all-day comfort, plus treaded rubber outsoles for grip. —Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025

The outlet is filled with Christmas decor, including faux trees, outdoor gingerbread decor collections, throw pillows, and more. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 Nov. 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