as in hoaxes
an imitation that is passed off as genuine
the will as well as the other documents turned out to be counterfeits
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in fakes
to imitate or copy especially in order to deceive
an expert at counterfeiting money
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in pretends
to present a false appearance of
managing to counterfeit a happy expression while visiting a sick friend
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of counterfeits
Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2026
Each item passes through a multi-step process combining advanced imaging, database cross-references, and final expert verification, a hybrid system that eliminates bias, minimizes error, and safeguards agains increasingly sophisticated counterfeits.
—Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Do carve out a spot for the Mongkok market, with its colorful juxtaposition of souvenirs, food, fashions — beware of counterfeits, though — with live fish and even birds.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025
Safe handling and charging are indeed crucial, but what’s even more important is trying to keep counterfeits out of the supply chain.
—Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Nov. 2025
While fake goods have exchanged hands in informal markets since ancient times, the growth of online marketplaces has contributed to the rise in counterfeits because of how easy online shopping and selling have become.
—Gabrielle Fonrouge,paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025
Zhang said more companies may face lawsuits from Pop Mart over Lafufus, but counterfeits might also decrease as Pop Mart ramps up its production.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 25 Aug. 2025
Noun
While many online retailers and marketplaces have taken steps to address the marketing of counterfeits, others still haven’t put the requisite measures in place—like notice and takedown procedures, identity verification and policies to punish offenders—that would curb the behavior.
—Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2026
Each item passes through a multi-step process combining advanced imaging, database cross-references, and final expert verification, a hybrid system that eliminates bias, minimizes error, and safeguards agains increasingly sophisticated counterfeits.
—Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 16 Jan. 2026
Do carve out a spot for the Mongkok market, with its colorful juxtaposition of souvenirs, food, fashions — beware of counterfeits, though — with live fish and even birds.
—Tianwei Zhang, Footwear News, 24 Nov. 2025
Safe handling and charging are indeed crucial, but what’s even more important is trying to keep counterfeits out of the supply chain.
—Andrew Moseman, IEEE Spectrum, 22 Nov. 2025
While fake goods have exchanged hands in informal markets since ancient times, the growth of online marketplaces has contributed to the rise in counterfeits because of how easy online shopping and selling have become.
—Gabrielle Fonrouge,paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025
Zhang said more companies may face lawsuits from Pop Mart over Lafufus, but counterfeits might also decrease as Pop Mart ramps up its production.
—Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
This makes Temu counterfeits more difficult for consumers to spot while browsing, and more difficult to determine are counterfeit upon receipt of the goods.
—Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 25 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterfeits
Noun
-
From online hoaxes about wildfires in Los Angeles and Hawaii to Russian and extremist propaganda during Hurricane Helene, information manipulation is warping responses to climate change and extreme weather.—
Michael Chertoff,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The Los Angeles Times reported that similar threats in multiple states, including Georgia, were traced to Russian domains and labeled politically disruptive hoaxes.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
18 Nov. 2025
Verb
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As with any market, more money means more scammers, and fakes abound — this past fall Sotheby’s cancelled two memorabilia auctions over authenticity concerns.—
Julie Brener Davich,
HollywoodReporter,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Each time Ivy's owner, Ryan, draws nearer, the dog fakes him out and bounds away, tail wagging.—
Tabitha Parent,
PEOPLE,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Christian pretends to fall so everyone looks at him, and then Devens stashes a fake idol wrapped in the real sheet from the BEBI.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
5 Mar. 2026
-
On the right, Tucker Carlson has repeatedly asserted that Buttigieg only pretends to be gay, and is in fact a straight man faking homosexuality for political clout.—
Graeme Wood,
The Atlantic,
3 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Several fireplaces date back to Colcord’s time, while others, such as the living room hearth, were sourced from a London maker specializing in vintage reproductions.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
7 Mar. 2026
-
The Artifact Exhibition has introduced an add-on VR activity to its walk-through display with relics and reproductions tied to the ship that famously sank in 1912.—
Dewayne Bevil,
The Orlando Sentinel,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Pascal forges an ex-studio chief’s knowledge, relationships, and favors into big-budget commercial pictures.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
5 Mar. 2026
-
In the Texas Hill Country following the Civil War, 14-year-old Travis is left in charge of the family ranch when his father goes on a long cattle drive and soon forges a reluctant bond with a wandering yellow dog.—
Libby Monteith Minor,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Students also practice drop-wheel recovery, which simulates what happens when a vehicle's tires drift off the side of the road.—
CBS News Atlanta Digital Team,
CBS News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Mitchell Arens’ cinematography simulates a fugue-like state that mirrors the vortex of grief that pervades through this heartrending film.—
Randy Myers,
Mercury News,
4 Mar. 2026
Noun
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But by January, draft copies of the order obtained in a records request by WLRN indicate recommendations from environmentalists have yet to be incorporated.—
Jenny Staletovich,
Miami Herald,
10 Mar. 2026
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The project went on to sell more than 10 million copies.—
Cheyenne Roundtree,
Rolling Stone,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
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That measurement also assumes the buyer has a 20% down payment, which in this case would be $80,060.—
Sarah Agostino,
CNBC,
7 Mar. 2026
-
That assumes everything lines up next offseason.—
Dave Hyde,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterfeits.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterfeits. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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