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
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 Synonyms for phonies
Noun
-
Luxus focuses on pristine-condition assets with clear provenance, reducing risks associated with counterfeits and quality degradation.
-
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.
Noun
-
Their only inheritance is a legacy of two-bit crime that inspires them to run increasingly audacious frauds.
-
Lan, 69, built a sprawling real estate empire of luxury homes and commercial properties before she was accused of one of the biggest frauds in global history.
Verb
-
Many fans found the finale of the original Dexter series, wherein Dexter fakes his own death and disappears in Oregon, unsatisfying.
-
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.
Noun
-
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.
-
That is why this conversation is about far more than celebrity deepfakes or viral internet 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.
-
This is where hype turns into hard numbers, and contenders start getting separated from pretenders.
Verb
-
There is a tender toxicity to the bond Louis forges with Regina that speaks to the overwhelming heartbreak from which its born.
-
All the more reason why her character with Aquarius, a zodiac sign that forges its own radical path.
Noun
-
The fee for copies of X-rays will increase from $55 to $60.
-
The album was tracked in the Northampton home studio of recording engineer Chris Dixon, and sold only 1500 copies in its first year of release on future Matador Records founder Gerard Cosloy’s early label Homestead Records.
Noun
-
Made up of sharp angles and straight lines, the quilt and its matching shams have a look that strikes the right balance between classic and contemporary.
-
The quilt also comes with two matching 20-x-36-inch pillow shams.
Cite this Entry
“Phonies.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phonies. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
