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fake

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noun

fake

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verb

1
as in to counterfeit
to imitate or copy especially in order to deceive pranksters faked giant footprints and then claimed that they had seen Bigfoot

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
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as in to evade
to elude (an opponent in a sports contest) by making a deceptive or agile movement the running back faked the defense by stepping to his left and then quickly cutting to the right

Synonyms & Similar Words

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fake documents
counterfeit documents
falsified documents
fraudulent documents
phony documents
bogus documents
a fake identity
a falsified identity
a fraudulent identity
a counterfeit identity
a fictitious identity
a feigned identity
fake news
bogus news
phony news
a fake smile
an inauthentic smile
a feigned smile
a hollow smile
a counterfeit smile
a phony smile

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of fake are counterfeit, fraud, humbug, imposture, and sham. While all these words mean "a thing made to seem other than it is," 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 could counterfeit be used to replace fake?

The meanings of counterfeit and fake largely overlap; however, counterfeit applies especially to the close imitation of something valuable.

20-dollar bills that were counterfeits

When is fraud a more appropriate choice than fake?

The synonyms fraud and fake are sometimes interchangeable, but fraud usually implies a deliberate perversion of the truth.

the diary was exposed as a fraud

In what contexts can humbug take the place of fake?

While the synonyms humbug and fake are close in meaning, humbug suggests elaborate pretense usually so flagrant as to be transparent.

creating publicity by foisting humbugs on a gullible public

When is it sensible to use imposture instead of fake?

The words imposture and fake 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

When would sham be a good substitute for fake?

Although the words sham and fake have much in common, sham applies to fraudulent imitation of a real thing or action.

condemned the election as a sham

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 fake
Adjective
After listening to three different recordings of phone calls the defense said were him, Relli declared two of them were fake and said the third didn't sound like him. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 2 Feb. 2025 In another twist to the craziness, a trans woman wrongly named as one of the pilots in this week’s deadly air collision urged the public to spread the word on how fake this news really was. Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
Noun
The truth became impossible to distill: Musk's vaunted Community Notes system was like a Band-Aid on a bullet hole, as reports of water shortages — some real, some fake — exploded into partisan blame games. Axios, 10 Jan. 2025 Test without attachment Looking fake comes from caring too much. Jodie Cook, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Verb
At perhaps the furthest extreme, Lau allegedly falsified account statements, including once faking a balance of over $13 million when that account only had $25 in it. Ashley Belanger, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2025 The hottest topic figures to be what to do about teams faking injuries to slow down opposing offenses. Ralph D. Russo, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fake 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fake
Adjective
  • To complete her look, Carpenter wore her signature glam by makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez, who used Velour faux lashes to give her eye makeup a fluttery look, as well as Prada Beauty and Armani Beauty all around.
    Michelle Lee, People.com, 3 Feb. 2025
  • Why not play into the nonchalant, unbothered tone of the song with luxe fur or faux fur coats?
    Danielle Gilliard, WWD, 2 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • An investigation, which included wiretaps, surveillance, and undercover drug buys, revealed that Fisher and others were selling large quantities of heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, as well as counterfeit oxycodone and Xanax pills, prosecutors said.
    From Staff Reports, Hartford Courant, 28 Jan. 2025
  • According to the indictment, a search of one warehouse used by the group led to the June 2024 seizure of $20 million worth of counterfeit items including shoes, perfume, luxury handbags, apparel and watches.
    Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The reality star opted for a leather mock neck midi dress and matching black pumps.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025
  • Other parts of the clip find Gelo rapping bars while conducting a mock press conference which pays homage to his sports roots.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • The Russian striker produced a stunning knockout in his last outing, finishing Armen Petrosyan with a double spinning-backfist to claim a highlight-reel KO.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
  • The dynamic between Pasqual and his double Miguel (Miguel Huerta) is fascinating, for a couple of reasons: First, Miguel is hilarious.
    Katie Rife, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • That 2019 prank also made headlines, with the company denouncing the sign as a hoax.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Kash was critical to exposing the Russian collusion hoax and bringing truth to the American people.
    Jonathan Granoff, Newsweek, 29 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • But the directive did appear to cover Pell grants, housing vouchers, and such disparate programs as Medicaid fraud prevention and gun safety services.
    Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 28 Jan. 2025
  • The fraud complaint indicated that voter registration cards were altered.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Whether rekindling old friendships or forging new rivalries, these ladies are ready to make their mark.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 30 Jan. 2025
  • With that said, tiles forged from natural materials, like marble or granite, are porous and do not hold up well against steam mops’ moisture and high temps.
    Maria Conti, Southern Living, 30 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • As if any of us could be so arrogant as to pretend to play defense with the Reaper.
    Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 1 Feb. 2025
  • Now that the sports leagues and their media partners have all gone from pretending that gambling doesn’t exist to actively encouraging fans to risk a few bucks in the name of good, clean fun, Gavin’s disingenuous casino signage has mutated into a series of laughably affected PSAs.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 31 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near fake

Cite this Entry

“Fake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fake. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

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