Synonyms of shams

shams 1 of 2

noun

plural of sham

1

as in parodies

a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something

condemned the rigged election as a total sham

Synonyms & Similar Words

• parodies
• caricatures
• jokes
• farces
• cartoons
• hoaxes
• comedies
• simulations
• travesties
• pretenses
• mockeries
• burlesques
• counterfeits
• forgeries
• fakes
• phonies
• humbug
• takeoffs
• knockoffs
• lampoons

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• tributes
• homages

2

as in counterfeits

an imitation that is passed off as genuine

the diamond turned out to be a sham

Synonyms & Similar Words

• counterfeits
• hoaxes
• fakes
• reproductions
• copies
• forgeries
• phonies
• replicas
• humbug
• synthetics
• bastards
• impostures
• knockoffs
• frauds
• copycats
• spoofs
• swindles
• simulations
• facsimiles
• dummies
• mock-ups
• shoddies
• gaffs
• duffers
• brummagems

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• originals

3

as in frauds

one who makes false claims of identity or expertise

that supposed French movie star was a sham

Synonyms & Similar Words

• frauds
• fakes
• pretenders
• charlatans
• deceivers
• impostors
• quacks
• misleaders
• fakers
• humbugs
• mountebanks
• phonies
• actors
• fakirs
• counterfeiters
• ringers
• hoaxers
• operators
• quacksalvers
• imitators
• dissemblers
• copycats
• swindlers
• impersonators
• tricksters
• mimics
• poseurs
• scammers
• sharpers
• skinners
• dodgers
• bluffers
• fraudsters
• defrauders
• duper
• scamsters
• feigners
• sharpies
• cozeners

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• masters
• experts
• professionals
• authorities
• wizards
• aces
• adepts
• virtuosos
• past masters
• maestros
• crackerjacks
• whizzes

shams

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of sham

as in pretends

to present a false appearance of

shammed a most unconvincing limp just to get sympathy

Synonyms & Similar Words

• pretends
• simulates
• assumes
• acts
• fakes
• counterfeits
• passes (for)
• affects
• feigns
• bluffs
• dissembles
• professes
• makes believe
• masquerades
• poses
• conceals
• puts on
• masks
• forges
• plays
• disguises
• imitates
• camouflages
• impersonates
• lets on
• playacts
• dissimulates
• feints
• malingers

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of shams

Noun

Shop the matching—and on-sale—pillow shams to complete the look. — Better Homes & Gardens, 27 July 2026

Treat it as the foundation for a beautifully layered bed or add the matching pillow shams to streamline the look. — Vy Yang, Architectural Digest, 17 July 2026

Not washing your duvet cover (and shams, if applicable) in a dedicated load. — Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 14 July 2026

According to the brand, these percale shams are breathable and cool to the touch. — Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026

Shop it with the matching shams, or mix it with classic stripes for a personal touch. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 3 July 2026

Both the duvet cover and shams have a sateen finish, and an ultra-soft, lived-in feel. — Terri Williams, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Verb

For more of our favorite linen bedding, check out sheet sets, duvet covers, quilts, throw blankets, pillowcases, and shams below. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 19 Apr. 2026

When paired with a chunky throw and, perhaps a plaid throw, the duvet cover and shams practically give off visual warmth. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2026

Her book of creative nonfiction titled Zaman saghir taht shams thaniya (A Small Time Under a Different Sun) was published by Dar al-Nahda, Beirut in 2019. — Huda Fakhreddine august 28, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2025