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

Bedsure Twin Heated Blanket With a fleece top and faux shearling backing, the blanket’s thick fabric conceals the wires, giving it the feel of a cozy throw rather than a typical heated blanket. —Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 8 Jan. 2026

Everywhere Belt Bag Lululemon’s nylon belt bags have been everywhere for the past few seasons, and this faux leather version offers an elevated alternative to the casual carryall. —Emma Greene, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026

Plus, the faux-leather cover can be customized to prominently display your initial. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2026

The elegant design is elevated by a row of gold buttons down the center and on two faux-front pockets. —Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 6 Jan. 2026

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