Thesaurus

counterfeit

Q: How is the word 'counterfeit' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of counterfeit are fake , fraud , humbug , imposture , and sham . While all these words mean "a thing made to seem other than it is," counterfeit applies especially to the close imitation of something valuable. // 20-dollar bills that were counterfeits

Q: In what contexts can 'fake' take the place of 'counterfeit'?

The synonyms fake and counterfeit are sometimes interchangeable, but fake implies an imitation of or substitution for the genuine but does not necessarily imply dishonesty. // these jewels are fakes ; the real ones are in the vault

Q: When is it sensible to use 'fraud' instead of 'counterfeit'?

In some situations, the words fraud and counterfeit are roughly equivalent. However, fraud usually implies a deliberate perversion of the truth. // the diary was exposed as a fraud

Q: Where would 'humbug' be a reasonable alternative to 'counterfeit'?

The meanings of humbug and counterfeit largely overlap; however, humbug suggests elaborate pretense usually so flagrant as to be transparent. // creating publicity by foisting humbugs on a gullible public

Q: When might 'imposture' be a better fit than 'counterfeit'?

The words imposture and counterfeit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposture applies to any situation in which a spurious object or performance is passed off as genuine. // their claim of environmental concern is an imposture

Q: When would 'sham' be a good substitute for 'counterfeit'?

The words sham and counterfeit can be used in similar contexts, but sham applies to fraudulent imitation of a real thing or action. // condemned the election as a sham

adjective

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Synonyms & Antonyms of counterfeit

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 being such in appearance only and made or manufactured with the intention of committing fraud

counterfeit currency that had been passed all over town

Synonyms for counterfeit

Words Related to counterfeit

Near Antonyms for counterfeit

natural

Antonyms for counterfeit

2 not being or expressing what one appears to be or express

when it comes to the poor, his compassion is so counterfeit—he gives a damn, and that's all that he gives

Synonyms for counterfeit

Words Related to counterfeit

bogus,
sham

Near Antonyms for counterfeit

Antonyms for counterfeit

counterfeit

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of counterfeit (Entry 2 of 3)

an imitation that is passed off as genuine

the will as well as the other documents turned out to be counterfeits

Synonyms for counterfeit

Words Related to counterfeit

copycat,
knockoff

dummy,
mock-up

Near Antonyms for counterfeit

original

counterfeit

verb

Synonyms of counterfeit (Entry 3 of 3)

1 to imitate or copy especially in order to deceive

an expert at counterfeiting money

Synonyms for counterfeit

Words Related to counterfeit

simulate

crib,
plagiarize

2 to present a false appearance of

managing to counterfeit a happy expression while visiting a sick friend

Synonyms for counterfeit

Words Related to counterfeit

forge,
imitate

feint

malinger

Phrases Synonymous with counterfeit

make believe

Frequently Asked Questions About counterfeit

How is the word counterfeit different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of counterfeit are fake, fraud, humbug, imposture, and sham. While all these words mean "a thing made to seem other than it is," counterfeit applies especially to the close imitation of something valuable.

20-dollar bills that were counterfeits

In what contexts can fake take the place of counterfeit?

The synonyms fake and counterfeit are sometimes interchangeable, but fake implies an imitation of or substitution for the genuine but does not necessarily imply dishonesty.

these jewels are fakes; the real ones are in the vault

When is it sensible to use fraud instead of counterfeit?

In some situations, the words fraud and counterfeit are roughly equivalent. However, fraud usually implies a deliberate perversion of the truth.

the diary was exposed as a fraud

Where would humbug be a reasonable alternative to counterfeit?

The meanings of humbug and counterfeit largely overlap; however, humbug suggests elaborate pretense usually so flagrant as to be transparent.

creating publicity by foisting humbugs on a gullible public

When might imposture be a better fit than counterfeit?

The words imposture and counterfeit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposture applies to any situation in which a spurious object or performance is passed off as genuine.

their claim of environmental concern is an imposture