variants
also phoneys
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
Relevance
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
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
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Recent Examples of phonies
James Boyd, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025
Noun
This is the part of the season when the real teams separate themselves from the phonies, and right now the Colts look fraudulent.
—James Boyd, New York Times, 1 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phonies
Noun
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Each item passes through a multi-step process combining advanced imaging, database cross-references, and final expert verification, a hybrid system that eliminates bias, minimizes error, and safeguards agains increasingly sophisticated counterfeits.—
Tanya Benedicto Klich,
Forbes.com,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Do carve out a spot for the Mongkok market, with its colorful juxtaposition of souvenirs, food, fashions — beware of counterfeits, though — with live fish and even birds.—
Tianwei Zhang,
Footwear News,
24 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The frauds have grown nearly in lockstep with the growth of the industry.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
11 Jan. 2026
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There is absolutely no evidence that frauds of this type or anywhere near this scale are happening in any of the other four states, or frankly that there is a large volume of as-yet-undiscovered fraud in Minnesota itself.—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Ake fakes a core breach to get Braka off the ship, with the Klingarite reluctantly leaving.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
16 Jan. 2026
-
Brunson fakes the swing to the right corner, blows past VJ Edgecombe, gets both feet into the paint, draws two defenders and finds OG Anunoby in the left corner.—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The Los Angeles Times reported that similar threats in multiple states, including Georgia, were traced to Russian domains and labeled politically disruptive hoaxes.—
Zachary Bynum,
CBS News,
18 Nov. 2025
-
In addition to the various homecoming shootings on HBCU campuses, several schools have fallen victim to swatting hoaxes aiming to foster confusion and chaos among the community.—
Julia Bonavita,
FOXNews.com,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The Cult of the Beaver has to fend off pretenders.—
AJ Willingham,
AJC.com,
13 Jan. 2026
-
Momentum hardens, vulnerabilities are exposed and the gap between contenders and pretenders is out in the open.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Subscribe today When the most populous nation on Earth forges a trade deal with a bloc that comprises nearly 15% of the world’s GDP, the ramifications will be widespread — and not just in monetary terms.—
Yeo Boon Ping,
CNBC,
27 Jan. 2026
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Advertisement After Moro’s death, Fabione is in hiding, and his ever-loyal friend Toni forges passport documents to aid his escape, in exchange for Moro’s complete, uncensored memoirs in the Red Brigade’s possession.—
Rory Doherty,
Time,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The book has sold over 15 million English language copies sold.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Suzuki sent him copies of his books and several letters.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The shams zip completely closed, so there’s no shifting or falling out of the case.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Dec. 2025
-
This brand also offers a variety of contrasting shams, extra monograms, and even matching duvet covers.—
Nora Taylor,
Architectural Digest,
29 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phonies. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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