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as in fraudulent
marked by, based on, or done by the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value false advertising that claimed that the vegetables were organically grown when they weren't

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word false different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of false are disloyal, faithless, perfidious, traitorous, and treacherous. While all these words mean "untrue to what should command one's fidelity or allegiance," false stresses the fact of failing to be true in any manner ranging from fickleness to cold treachery.

betrayed by false friends

When is disloyal a more appropriate choice than false?

Although the words disloyal and false have much in common, disloyal implies a lack of complete faithfulness to a friend, cause, leader, or country.

disloyal to their country

When is it sensible to use faithless instead of false?

The words faithless and false can be used in similar contexts, but faithless applies to any failure to keep a promise or pledge or any breach of allegiance or loyalty.

faithless allies

How are the words perfidious and faithless related as synonyms of false?

Perfidious adds to faithless the implication of an incapacity for fidelity or reliability.

a perfidious double-crosser

Where would traitorous be a reasonable alternative to false?

In some situations, the words traitorous and false are roughly equivalent. However, traitorous implies either actual treason or a serious betrayal of trust.

traitorous acts punishable by death

When can treacherous be used instead of false?

The synonyms treacherous and false are sometimes interchangeable, but treacherous implies readiness to betray trust or confidence.

a treacherous adviser

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of false Various common names include false bamboo and Japanese fleece flower. Martha Proctor, Mercury News, 1 May 2025 The Supreme Court said that Lee violated election law by publicly stating false facts and ruled to send the case back to the appeals court. Reuters, NBC news, 1 May 2025 But investigators quickly dismantled the false narrative. Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 1 May 2025 Last year’s 17-9 start proved to be a false spring, one that lulled fans into thinking Craig Counsell replacing David Ross was the real difference between an 83-win Cubs team and the postseason. Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for false
Recent Examples of Synonyms for false
Adjective
  • Still, Abrego Garcia’s deportation to El Salvador was erroneous, the government said.
    Ashley Oliver, The Washington Examiner, 30 Apr. 2025
  • There’s a chance the erroneous WinRE error might be a little persistent.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Our feeds are flooded with faux news and half-truths, designed to prop up confirmation biases and advance political agendas.
    Slaine, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025
  • This depends on the material, but faux leather is usually less susceptible to damage from steam.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
Adjective
  • Low-quality or counterfeit imports have been an issue.
    Christine Ro, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
  • That the products allegedly had such errors, Levi’s said, shows that PBG willfully perpetuated a counterfeit scheme.
    Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 8 May 2025
Adjective
  • In the past year, Sanders was projected as high as a top 3 NFL draft pick in some mock drafts.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 7 May 2025
  • With a draft order now known, a collection of our NHL reporters combined for a mock draft of the first 16 picks.
    Corey Pronman, New York Times, 6 May 2025
Adjective
  • The Act provides market players and investors additional mechanisms and avenues to seek redress and curb fraudulent digital asset activities.
    Abubakar Nur Khalil, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025
  • The lawsuit previously featured additional claims for civil conspiracy and fraudulent conveyance, but those were dismissed in earlier actions.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • Smith made out their former collaborators to be ungrateful and traitorous, and the kids weren't given the space to question her command.
    Zoey Lyttle, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Foreign military interventions can change victims from being viewed as a nuisance into being seen as powerful and traitorous enemies, potentially capable of exacting revenge, seizing power, or breaking away from the state.
    Benjamin A. Valentino, Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 2011
Adjective
  • The impact could be inaccurate diagnoses, which could cost lives and break down trust in the healthcare system.
    Christian Espinosa, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Trump claimed the inaccurate poll violated consumer fraud protections; the Register is currently fighting the lawsuit in court.
    Hadas Gold, CNN Money, 30 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • In announcing the replacements on Friday, the FDA said multiple food companies had already promised to remove the synthetic chemicals, making the 2026 target more likely.
    Dan Gooding Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • Now, though, prices of synthetic diamonds have plummeted 90 percent at wholesale, according to a statement from the brand, marking a stark divergence from the price of traditional gems.
    Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 9 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“False.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/false. Accessed 18 May. 2025.

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