falsify

verb

fal·​si·​fy ˈfȯl-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce falsify (audio)
falsified; falsifying

transitive verb

1
: to prove or declare false : disprove
2
: to make false: such as
a
: to make false by mutilation or addition
the accounts were falsified to conceal a theft
b
: to represent falsely : misrepresent
3
: to prove unsound by experience

intransitive verb

: to tell lies : lie
falsifiable adjective
falsification noun
falsifier noun

Examples of falsify in a Sentence

He was caught falsifying financial accounts. taking that statement completely out of context essentially falsifies it, whether that's your intention or not
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He was originally charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of distribution of ketamine and two counts of altering and falsifying documents or records related to the federal investigation, according to the US Attorney’s office. Taylor Romine, CNN Money, 16 June 2025 According to federal prosecutors, Alexander falsified employment records with seven different airlines and booked dozens of free flights that were reserved for pilots and flight attendants. David Matthews, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025 Authoritarian regimes have a habit of mismanaging internal dissent, falsifying reality and making preventable mistakes. Wal Van Lierop, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 Joshua Bartlett, a former guard at Mid-State Correctional Facility in Marcy, N.Y., pleaded guilty to felony counts of hindering prosecution and falsifying records in connection with the fatal beating of an inmate. Arkansas Online, 4 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for falsify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English falsifien, from Middle French falsifier, from Medieval Latin falsificare, from Latin falsus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of falsify was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Falsify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falsify. Accessed 25 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

falsify

verb
fal·​si·​fy ˈfȯl-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce falsify (audio)
falsified; falsifying
: to make false : change so as to deceive
falsify financial accounts
falsification noun
falsifier noun

Legal Definition

falsify

transitive verb
fal·​si·​fy ˈfȯl-si-ˌfī How to pronounce falsify (audio)
falsified; falsifying
: to make false: as
a
: to make (as a document) false by mutilation, alteration, or addition
the motel clerk had falsified the recordsM. A. Kelly
b
: to report (as information) falsely
the informant falsified his testimony

More from Merriam-Webster on falsify

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