fraudulent

adjective

fraud·​u·​lent ˈfrȯ-jə-lənt 

: characterized by, based on, or done by fraud : deceitful

fraudulent use of a credit card

fraudulent claims for unemployment compensation

—Wall Street Journal

fraudulently adverb

fraudulentness noun

Synonyms of fraudulent

• dishonest
• false
• deceptive

Examples of fraudulent in a Sentence

Corrupt leaders were chosen in a fraudulent election.

fraudulent use of a credit card

the victim of a fraudulent scheme

Recent Examples on the Web

Max has also helped the Bachman dealership catch attempted fraud by looking for specific details and fraudulent markers on checks, bank statements, and addresses. —Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 10 Feb. 2026

Experts recommend checking bank and credit card statements regularly so fraudulent activity can be caught and reported quickly. —Joshua Sidorowicz, CBS News, 9 Feb. 2026

Experts said fraudulent votes are rare, most registration and roll issues do not translate into fraudulent votes being cast, and there is no evidence such issues swing elections. —Kevin Rector, Los Angeles Times, 8 Feb. 2026

She has been charged with conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, money laundering, make and receive straw donor contributions, and make a false and fraudulent statement on a tax return, according to the indictment. —Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 7 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

fraudulent

adjective

fraud·​u·​lent ˈfrȯ-jə-lənt 

: based on or done by fraud

fraudulently adverb

fraudulentness noun

Legal Definition

fraudulent

adjective

fraud·​u·​lent

: characterized by, based on, or done by fraud compare deceptive, false, misleading

fraudulently adverb