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
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Recent Examples of phony
Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Warren has some experience with covering over the past as happened when her phony claim of being a blue-eyed Native American Cherokee descendent blew up.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 14 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
Some of the scams involve fake court documents or notifications about phony traffic or criminal infractions, according to the sheriff's office.
—Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 28 May 2026
Warren has some experience with covering over the past as happened when her phony claim of being a blue-eyed Native American Cherokee descendent blew up.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 14 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
-
The advisory warns of rising cases and counterfeit vaccines, urging caution around animals and quick action if bitten.—
Michael Cappetta,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Dec. 2025
-
Five pink pills containing oxycodone and another counterfeit pill were found in Skaggs’ room after his death.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
6 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Public health officials have been preparing for months, said Philadelphia’s Raval-Nelson, including with mock emergency drills and communications with counterparts around the country.—
Lauran Neergaard,
Los Angeles Times,
15 June 2026
-
Public health officials have been preparing for months, said Philadelphia’s Raval-Nelson, including with mock emergency drills and communications with counterparts around the country.—
Lauren Neergaard,
Chicago Tribune,
10 June 2026
Adjective
-
Maduro’s electoral fraud was so blatant, and his rights abuses so serious, that the United States, the 27-member European Union and several other countries did not recognize his fake victory.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 Dec. 2025
-
The goal isn’t to fake joy, but to show appreciation for the thought behind the gift.—
Alexandra Emanuelli,
Southern Living,
11 Dec. 2025
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
-
Prosecutors charged Kwon in January with nine criminal counts for securities fraud, wire fraud, commodities fraud and money laundering conspiracy.—
Reuters,
NBC news,
12 Dec. 2025
-
Consequences for fraud Under Florida law, disabled parking permits — temporary or permanent — are issued through the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) or its authorized agents, including the tax collector’s office.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Among them, the friendship forged by the people of Lawrence and the Algerian team and visitors.—
Blair Kerkhoff,
Kansas City Star,
16 June 2026
-
The grief of last summer reverberates beyond the headlines about Heaven’s 27 and the messy social gulf the river forged.—
Karen Valby,
Vanity Fair,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
The audit seeks to identify false information intentionally submitted in fraudulent medical applications or certifications.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Trump undermined the argument of his prepared remarks by riffing on the economy with a series of unconvincing, hyperbolic assertions and false statements.—
David Goldman,
CNN Money,
11 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Repercussions could result in local fines, citations, damage claims, and a strained relationship with the neighbor.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
11 Dec. 2025
-
Tess is the other violin, anxious and strained and full of unresolved hurt; Jon, the sweet, warm viola, always supporting, his identity built around harmony.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
9 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Phony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phony. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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