1
as in counterfeit
being such in appearance only and made or manufactured with the intention of committing fraud
a spurious Picasso painting that wouldn't have fooled an art expert for a second
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in false
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality
claimed that the governor's election-year enthusiasm for conservation was spurious, since he had cut funding for state parks
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in illegitimate
born to a father and mother who are not married
the spurious son of Charles II, the Duke of Monmouth would later mount a rebellion in a disastrous attempt to claim the throne
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spurious
The move has perturbed even some of Zelenskyy’s supporters — people who are simultaneously worried about the heavy-handed and potentially spurious crackdown on dissent, and that such criticisms against the Ukrainian leader might be used in bad faith by opponents in Moscow or Washington.
—
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 19 July 2025
Law enforcement officers would arrest young men, usually Black but also white, on spurious charges and lease them to private companies for profit.
—Time, 17 July 2025
Non-residents can go hunting for memories (accurate or spurious) in the public-facing areas on the lower floors, the 4 percent of the building that has been brilliantly restored.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 July 2025
Though the book largely revolves around spurious media coverage of Israel’s war on Gaza, El Akkad’s great talent is in showing how, over the past few decades, corporate journalism and western powers have undermined our ability to confront global atrocities.
—Vulture Editors, Vulture, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spurious
Alexander Smith, NBC news, 19 July 2025
Law enforcement officers would arrest young men, usually Black but also white, on spurious charges and lease them to private companies for profit.
—Time, 17 July 2025
Non-residents can go hunting for memories (accurate or spurious) in the public-facing areas on the lower floors, the 4 percent of the building that has been brilliantly restored.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 10 July 2025
Though the book largely revolves around spurious media coverage of Israel’s war on Gaza, El Akkad’s great talent is in showing how, over the past few decades, corporate journalism and western powers have undermined our ability to confront global atrocities.
—Vulture Editors, Vulture, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for spurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spurious
Adjective
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Jain also said dupes are different than counterfeit products since dupes are made to look very close to the real thing, but are not trying to pass for the name brand.—
Betty Lin-Fisher,
USA Today,
10 Oct. 2025
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The manosphere—an intersecting web of influencers and communities that run the gamut from self-improvement to neo-misogyny and white supremacy—offers a counterfeit version of these needs.—
Jonathon Reed,
Time,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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In his plea agreement, Jones admitted using his company to submit more than $2 million in false bills to the Foundation for audiovisual services.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
12 Oct. 2025
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If convicted of bank fraud or making false statements, the penalties could include up to 30 years in prison and $1 million in fines for each count, the DOJ says.—
Deputy News Editor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Also endangering the family name and business is a crooked deal made by Byron Hedges (Jack Gleeson), an illegitimate cousin helping Guinness expand into America, that promises 15% of all American profits to the Fenian Brotherhood.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
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The play’s serious depiction of class politics and illegitimate birth were considered shocking by contemporary audiences.—
Emily Zarevich,
JSTOR Daily,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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As a precaution, health and trade associations are urging consumers and bars to destroy or properly dispose of empty bottles to prevent counterfeiters from reusing them in the production of fake liquor.—
Alessandra Freitas,
CNN Money,
12 Oct. 2025
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After going for it on fourth-and-short successfully with a direct snap to Hall on a fake punt, the Jets proceeded to … run out the clock with runs, short passes, and by not snapping the ball on fourth down.—
Devon Henderson,
New York Times,
12 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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However, his unnatural exit from the sport made headlines in his final season at the Bahrain Grand Prix through an incident that reminded everyone about the dangers of motorsport.—
Saajan Jogia,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
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Imitating the speech or body language of others during a conversation is another form of masking, along with forcing eye contact or facial expressions, which may feel unnatural.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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An email with a forged attachment may be followed by a phone call or even a video appearance that reinforces the deception.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 Sep. 2025
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The forged plateau creates extra space for components, like a larger battery.—
Julian Chokkattu,
Wired News,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The silhouette is perfectly slouchy, and the wide sleeves and mock neckline add drama.—
Nusrat Sultana,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Oct. 2025
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The simple design has the comfort and fit of a classic long-sleeve shirt, but with a twisted mock neck that adds a touch of dimension.—
Caley Sturgill,
Southern Living,
8 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Qatar is deepening its presence in Egypt after more than a decade of strained ties.—
Manal Albarakati,
semafor.com,
6 Oct. 2025
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Reports about father and son’s strained relationship have been everywhere of late.—
Lizzie Lanuza,
StyleCaster,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spurious. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
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