phonies 1 of 2

noun

variants also phoneys
plural of phony
1
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
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
  1. counterfeits
  2. frauds
  3. fakes
  4. hoaxes
  5. pretenders
  6. forges
  7. copies
  8. shams
Noun
  • Luxus focuses on pristine-condition assets with clear provenance, reducing risks associated with counterfeits and quality degradation.
    — Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Unprosecuted crimes against the public — such as the widespread sale of 78-cent postage stamps for 19 cents to 59 cents, rolls of 100, counterfeits all, for years online.
    — Lucas Robinson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 May 2026
Definition of counterfeits
Noun
  • Lowry, in the meantime, would embark on a two-decade career in a league that spits out frauds on the regular.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 8 July 2026
  • Their only inheritance is a legacy of two-bit crime that inspires them to run increasingly audacious frauds.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 25 June 2026
Definition of frauds
Verb
  • Many fans found the finale of the original Dexter series, wherein Dexter fakes his own death and disappears in Oregon, unsatisfying.
    — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026
  • Jenna Ushkowitz was a Spring Awakening costar of Lea Michele's when Ryan Murphy cast her to play the one-time goth Tina, who fakes a stutter to stand out at school.
    — James Mercadante, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026
Definition of fakes
Noun
  • By probing his triple role as author, anthropologist and cult leader, the book asks why Americans hunger for seductive spiritual hoaxes.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2026
  • The dishonest duo got rich from their deception, but in the age of AI slop, there is a certain charm to analogue hoaxes such as these.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 18 June 2026
Definition of hoaxes
Noun
  • 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
  • This is where hype turns into hard numbers, and contenders start getting separated from pretenders.
    — Geoff Clark OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Apr. 2026
Definition of pretenders
Verb
  • Motherhood, sexuality, family, fame… every band member forges her own path in refreshingly disparate ways rarely shown on television.
    — Sara Netzley, Entertainment Weekly, 2 July 2026
  • There is a tender toxicity to the bond Louis forges with Regina that speaks to the overwhelming heartbreak from which its born.
    — Sabrina Reed, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of forges
Noun
  • The manga has printed over 250 million copies in more than 60 countries and territories.
    — Zack Sharf, Variety, 9 July 2026
  • The Charlotte Observer obtained copies of the contracts, which began in 2023, via a public records request.
    — Rebecca Noel, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
Definition of copies
Noun
  • Shop it with the matching shams, or mix it with classic stripes for a personal touch.
    — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • The dotted floral design adds a subtle pattern without feeling too bold, and matching shams are available to complete the look.
    — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026
Definition of shams

Browse Nearby Words

phonied
phonies
phoning
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Cite this Entry

“Phonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phonies. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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