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
  • 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
Noun
  • These frauds hate Sweeney because of some MAGA hat at a party like four years ago.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 15 Sep. 2026
  • In 2018, Modi was accused by Indian authorities of orchestrating one of the country’s largest bank frauds in modern history.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of frauds
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
  • The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension says those threats were likely swatting hoaxes.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 29 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
  • These genomes should reflect the full sequence of both chromosome copies and the diversity of the global population, rather than relying on one person or one ancestral group as a universal standard.
    — Euan Ashley, STAT, 1 Oct. 2026
  • When the Spider swings past a silverish-gray newsstand filled with copies of the Daily Bugle, the frame becomes black-and-white, even in the color version.
    — Harmon Siegel, Artforum, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of copies
Noun
  • Plus, the set comes with two shams to complete your sanctuary.
    — Shea Simmons, Southern Living, 18 Sep. 2026
  • 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
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 3 Oct. 2026.

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