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 June 2026
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
So Pulte, the Federal Housing Finance Agency director, who’s been busy trying to phony up charges of mortgage fraud against New York Attorney General Tish James and others, is now the acting DNI.
—
New York Daily News Editorial Board,
New York Daily News,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for phony
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phony
Adjective
-
Merchandise including counterfeit perfumes, Rolex watches, knockoff Knicks apparel, sunglasses, electronics and Labubus were seized, in addition to $145,000 in cash, police said.
-
According to the sheriff's office, Major Crimes Detectives responded to the scene to collect evidence, which included several sheets of counterfeit currency.
Adjective
-
After a season of travel, video and phone calls and texts speaking with agents, scouts, coaches, family members and those around these players, here is my final mock draft for the 2026 NHL Draft.
-
The mock-neck adds a chic touch, and the color selection is genuinely impressive.
Adjective
-
To combat bots, Ticketmaster, the primary ticketing platform for many concerts, blocks automated software, identifies and shuts down fake accounts and cancels orders that violate its policies.
-
No one called for a fake investigation on Key Lime.
Noun
-
By probing his triple role as author, anthropologist and cult leader, the book asks why Americans hunger for seductive spiritual hoaxes.
-
The Little Rock Zoo briefly stopped admitting visitors on Friday morning while authorities investigating a bomb threat that was found to be a hoax.
Noun
-
David Vander Meer, 49, was being held at Clark County Detention Center on first-degree murder and insurance fraud charges stemming from the death of his wife, Bernadette, two decades ago.
-
According to prosecutors, Eidleh deposited more than $5 million in fraud proceeds, kickbacks and bribes into accounts associated with shell companies in an effort to conceal the source of the money.
Verb
-
Meander through a lush, fairy-worthy tapestry of ivy and narrow pathways forged throughout the B&B's history.
-
His mother, who came from a somewhat shady family (her father had been part of a coin-forging group whose ringleaders were arrested and beheaded), helped run the inn; his sister was twelve years older.
Adjective
-
Nadi Jabari, 46, was charged with false personation, unlawful use of a blue light and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
-
Back when King was indicted in the summer of 2025, about 200 of them gathered in a Cleburne conference hall to make plans about how to support the sheriff, and decried the allegations against him as false attacks on King’s character.
Adjective
-
Witt returned to action after missing six games with a strained right knee and went 1 for 3 as the Royals’ designated hitter.
-
Nor will it be solved through another collection of disconnected tools layered into already strained environments.
Cite this Entry
“Phony.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phony. Accessed 27 Jun. 2026.
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