PHONEY Synonyms: 244 Similar and Opposite Words

phony 1 of 3

adjective

ˈfō-nē

variants also phoney

as in counterfeit

being such in appearance only and made or manufactured with the intention of committing fraud a phony watch with a designer logo

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in mock

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality she always has this phony smile just before she betrays you

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in fake

not being or expressing what one appears to be or express her concern for our welfare is as phony as all get-out—she just wants to know our business

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

phony

2 of 3

noun

variants also phoney

as in hoax

an imitation that is passed off as genuine the fancy "emerald" ring turned out to be a phony

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

original

as in fraud

one who makes false claims of identity or expertise the person who performed the liposuction operation was later discovered to be a phony

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

phony

3 of 3

verb

as in to fake

to imitate or copy especially in order to deceive the terrorists were able to move around the country using phonied driver's licenses

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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 phony

Adjective

Nebraskans are set to vote in the most unusual Senate primary campaign of the year on May 12, with Republicans and Democrats accusing each other of trying to confuse voters with phony candidates. —

Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 12 May 2026 But the board has allowed dozens of others accused of buying phony diplomas and banned from working in other states to keep their Florida licenses, the records show. —

Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026

Noun

In retaliation, Sir Jimmy outs Kelson as a phony with a fatal stab to the gut, though that’s not enough to save his own life. —

Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026 Which, of course, is what happens on newspapers and that’s why all these things sound so phoney. —

Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025

Verb

What constitutes the crime is to phony up business accounting records to disguise the payments. —

New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2024 See All Example Sentences for phony

Recent Examples of Synonyms for phony

Adjective

Unlike the show’s first teaser, the new clip includes footage of Jordan using his power ring to manifest shields, take flight and even create counterfeit money.

— Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 18 May 2026
The report places some of the blame on social media platforms and e-commerce websites for facilitating counterfeit sales through influencer promotion and links to fake websites.

— Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 May 2026