phony-baloney

adjective

ˈfō-nē-bə-ˈlō-nē How to pronounce phony-baloney (audio)
variants or phoney-baloney
Definition of phony-baloneynext
as in fake
not being or expressing what one appears to be or express if you believe the company's phony-baloney press releases, it's in business solely for the benefit of mankind

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 phony-baloney Namely, their own phony-baloney, six-figure jobs. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 20 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for phony-baloney
  1. fake
  2. double
  3. meaningless
  4. phony
  5. hypocritical
  6. lip
  7. artificial
  8. superficial
Adjective
  • Is this the same Panthea who hates anyone fake or putting things on?
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Alongside its launch, Onton released research revealing that current top AI models struggle to filter out fake content and biased reviews—proving that today’s systems simply aren’t built for modern, noisy web environments.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • When Debbie, Susan, and Thom come over for a double-date pizza night, only Bret is concerned about the spate of recent home invasions, the missing pets, and the desecration of the griffin mascot.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Jorge Polanco, who snapped an 0-for-26 streak in the third inning with just his second homer of the season, keyed the rally with a two-out double off the left-field wall.
    — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of double
Adjective
  • But that pledge does little to address the creation of deepfakes themselves, and is meaningless without digital tools that make detecting deepfakes possible.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The show also underscores the frustration of meaningless tasks, mirroring widespread disengagement when work lacks clear purpose.
    — Kate Wieczorek, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of meaningless
Adjective
  • Jason Rezaian, the Washington Post reporter who was convicted on phony espionage charges and jailed for 544 days, might beg to differ with Blumenthal’s analysis.
    — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 29 July 2026
  • Some catalytic event—a Reichstag Fire analogue, or another January 6, or a bogus declassification purporting to show foreign hackers changing votes—could be used to manufacture a phony rationale for emergency action.
    — James Robenalt, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026
Definition of phony
Adjective
  • Some players cited the league’s partnerships with sports betting companies as hypocritical or even laying the foundation for this sort of scandal.
    — Zack Meisel, New York Times, 28 July 2026
  • Amendments placed on the ballot by lawmakers would still need only a statewide majority — a distinction critics call hypocritical.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Definition of hypocritical
Adjective
  • Likewise, lip masks designed to be worn overnight can provide improved hydration and comfort over daytime treatments.
    — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 25 Mar. 2026
  • On the opposite end of the spectrum, Tatianna points to cinnamon as a conductor of heat—one commonly used in lip plumper products to achieve a sultry pout.
    — Essence, Essence, 23 Nov. 2025
Definition of lip
Adjective
  • Some studies suggest artificial sweeteners may affect the brain in a way similar to sugar, which could make foods more appealing.
    — Lindsey DeSoto, HEALTH, 4 Aug. 2026
  • This aligns with decades of cognitive research that claims learning is more than simply receiving information—especially when that information feels artificial.
    — James Davis, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of artificial
Adjective
  • Reddington also took exception to the prosecution's description of injuries to Clancy's neck and wrists, which had been called superficial.
    — Kristina Rex, CBS News, 30 July 2026
  • Medicare Advantage, despite offering more benefits and cost caps, faces issues with gaming, excessive prior authorization, and a focus on superficial perks.
    — Sachin H. Jain, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of superficial

Browse Nearby Words

phony
phony-baloney
phonying
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Cite this Entry

“Phony-baloney.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/phony-baloney. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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