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

Their alleged crime focuses on fraud and advancing a fraudulent conspiracy through electronic transactions and communications, with betting platforms, the Guardians and MLB among the victims. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 Nov. 2025

Trauernicht, who allegedly approved numerous fraudulent paychecks for his female assistant, asked the court for the diversion program that could result in the dismissal of his felony charge for the alleged crime. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Nov. 2025

The hospital was also found liable for the fraudulent billing of Maya’s father, Jack. —Sophie Dodd, PEOPLE, 9 Nov. 2025

The indictment charges that, in total, Clase caused his co-conspirator bettors to win at least $400,000 in fraudulent bets. —Ian Thomas, CNBC, 9 Nov. 2025

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