variants
also phoney
1
as in counterfeit
being such in appearance only and made or manufactured with the intention of committing fraud
a phony watch with a designer logo
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in mock
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
she always has this phony smile just before she betrays you
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in fake
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express
her concern for our welfare is as phony as all get-out—she just wants to know our business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
variants
also phoney
1
as in hoax
an imitation that is passed off as genuine
the fancy "emerald" ring turned out to be a phony
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in fraud
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 to fake
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.
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Recent Examples of phony
Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
But the board has allowed dozens of others accused of buying phony diplomas and banned from working in other states to keep their Florida licenses, the records show.
—Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
Which, of course, is what happens on newspapers and that’s why all these things sound so phoney.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for phony
Adjective
To slam a theme park as predictable or phony, as a number of friends and acquaintances have over the years, is to essentially dismiss all forms of the theatrical arts.
—Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
But the board has allowed dozens of others accused of buying phony diplomas and banned from working in other states to keep their Florida licenses, the records show.
—Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 May 2026
Noun
In retaliation, Sir Jimmy outs Kelson as a phony with a fatal stab to the gut, though that’s not enough to save his own life.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 15 Jan. 2026
Which, of course, is what happens on newspapers and that’s why all these things sound so phoney.
—Lizz Schumer, PEOPLE, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
What constitutes the crime is to phony up business accounting records to disguise the payments.
—New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2024
See All Example Sentences for phony
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phony
Adjective
-
Ticket Scams Fraudsters often create fake ticket websites, counterfeit tickets, and fraudulent social media listings.—
Staff Report,
Hartford Courant,
12 June 2026
-
The currency, Willis warned, turns out to be counterfeit.—
Christopher Harris,
CBS News,
11 June 2026
Adjective
-
His mock draft range has been all over the place, from the lottery to Denver’s territory.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
9 June 2026
-
Look for mock-meat dishes built around tofu and seitan — including bánh mì chay made with tofu — along with fresh spring rolls and phở chay, typically made with mushrooms in place of beef or chicken.—
Lauren Schuster,
Kansas City Star,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Despite the highs, however, there were some low moments in the week — including a near run-in with Scooter Braun and an insult from a radio analyst who deemed Swift a fake Knicks fan.—
Leigh Blickley,
Entertainment Weekly,
12 June 2026
-
To make matters worse, cybercriminals are using fake FIFA sites, bogus ticket offers and phony job ads to scam viewers.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
Noun
-
The fact remains that 30 years ago, before the Texas Air National Guard fiasco, among so many other fake-news hoaxes, 60 Minutes had more than 20 million viewers a week.—
Howie Carr,
Boston Herald,
10 June 2026
-
In a world where an AI hoax could easily be promulgated across social media, or in which conspiracy theorists would likely attack a real discovery, the protocols are intended to encourage best practice and safeguard astronomers when the media spotlight falls on them.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
9 June 2026
Noun
-
Visa, the world’s largest payment network outside of China, will provide the payment authorization and fraud monitoring needed to do this at scale.—
Barbara Ortutay,
Los Angeles Times,
12 June 2026
-
The bank that lets agents move customer money will own the early failures, the fraud cases that test the new attack surface, and the regulatory scrutiny that follows.—
Zennon Kapron,
Forbes.com,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
His political ambitions were forged by tragedy that added grit to his tabloid backstory.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 June 2026
-
After forging a strategic partnership with China in January, the country is now looking to deepen bilateral trade and investment with Indonesia through the forthcoming ratification of the Canada-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).—
Kate Nishimura,
Footwear News,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Baldoni denied the allegations and maintained that Lively's claims were false.—
Janelle Ash , Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
13 June 2026
-
Baldoni filed a countersuit in January 2025 for civil extortion, defamation and false light.—
Liza Esquibias,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
Adjective
-
Jay has just one hour of oxygen left to forge an escape, applying the knowledge and skill set his late father passed on to him, while also reconciling their strained relationship in the process.—
Brian Davids,
HollywoodReporter,
11 June 2026
-
The council listened, with strained faces and large eyes.—
Tanya Babbar,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
10 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Phony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phony. Accessed 13 Jun. 2026.
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