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

Faces of Death isn’t a remake of the infamous 1978 exploitation landmark, a faux documentary that positioned itself as an anthology of actual carnage (though much of its disturbing footage was fake). —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 10 Apr. 2026

The classic combination of a black metal frame and brown faux leather seat makes this handsome bench a must-have in any foyer. —Jacquelyn McGilvray, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026

More fresh finds include a $13 set of faux blooms that are perfect for arrangements, an intricate vase with a spring floral motif, and an elevated garden bed under $110—shop them all (and more) below. —Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2026

These faux fillets feel fancy, but couldn't be simpler (or more inexpensive) to prepare. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 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