PHONIES Synonyms: 95 Similar and Opposite Words

phonies 1 of 2

noun

variants also phoneys

plural of phony

as in counterfeits

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

originals

as in frauds

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

phonies

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of phony

as in fakes

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 phonies

Noun

Just as Moby-Dick is canonically about whales, Catcher is canonically about phonies. — Lily Meyer, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026 At Dodger Stadium at the end of April, Crow-Amstrong also had to deal with the consequences of his actions — ripping Los Angeles Dodgers fans for being phonies in a Chicago magazine article that went viral. — Jon Greenberg, New York Times, 22 May 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for phonies

Noun

The European Commission previously said AliExpress breached its obligations under the DSA, which required it to diligently assess and mitigate the risks of counterfeits.

— Roy Stephen Canivel, Footwear News, 22 July 2026
Masherah also emphasized keeping Jordan with Upper Deck provides collectors a safe place to acquire authenticated Jordan autographed memorabilia when there are so many fakes and counterfeits floating around.

— Larry Holder, New York Times, 8 July 2026

Definition of counterfeits

Verb

Seminole fakes the extra point kick and Luis Ojeda-Robles runs the ball in for the two point conversion.

— Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 Sep. 2026
The film follows an insecure MBA student who fakes a broken ankle and poses as a medical student to win over a free-spirited woman who lives for music and dancing, only to see his lies unravel as real feelings take hold.

— Matt Grobar, Deadline, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of fakes

Noun

Lodi Unified says these posts are typically hoaxes but law enforcement and the district are taking every report seriously, giving some relief.

— Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
Certain corners of the web promote hoaxes and hate speech and reputational sabotage.

— David Friend, Vanity Fair, 10 Sep. 2026

Definition of hoaxes

Noun

The schedule is forgivable, even by ACC standards, but a rematch on the road against Notre Dame will separate the Canes as contenders or pretenders.

— Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026
Now, hardship seems to be an end in itself, a battle scar or badge of honor that distinguishes true backpackers from mere pretenders.

— Tim Brinkhof, Time, 4 May 2026

Definition of pretenders

Verb

The Librarians, which premiered at Sundance in early 2025 and broadcast on PBS in early 2026, has been years in the making, but the battle at its core still forges on.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 14 Aug. 2026
Training for business leaders forges a body, mind, and spirit prepared for whatever challenge comes next.

— Julian Hayes II, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of forges

Noun

However, the Daily Mail reported that on Monday a truck carrying copies was travelling between a printing plant and a warehouse in the Netherlands when it was intercepted while parked in a lay-by, with four copies of the book mysteriously stolen.

— K.J. Yossman, Variety, 17 Sep. 2026
Volunteers are also encouraged to submit a volunteer waiver online before the event, but paper copies will be available on the day of the cleanup as well.

— Alison Gibson, Sacbee.com, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of copies

Noun

The set comes with two reversible shams to complete the look, and is durable enough to toss in the washing machine.

— Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026
Its matching shams have overlapping edges that effortlessly slip over pillows and hold onto them tightly.

— Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of shams

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phonied

phonies

phoning

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Style

“Phonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phonies. Accessed 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of phonies

noun

verb

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