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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of spurious
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, 1 Apr. 2025
The spurious operation unraveled in a more ignominious way than Costanza’s.
—Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025
Trump files spurious lawsuits to force his targets to defend themselves financially and legally and intimidate others from crossing him — or to surrender and settle, as ABC News did.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2025
On Sunday night, Americans were treated to a variety of spurious allegations promulgated by several former State Department employees who have made a vocation of insisting that no one will listen to them.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spurious
Vulture Editors, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025
The spurious operation unraveled in a more ignominious way than Costanza’s.
—Michael Loria, USA TODAY, 15 Mar. 2025
Trump files spurious lawsuits to force his targets to defend themselves financially and legally and intimidate others from crossing him — or to surrender and settle, as ABC News did.
—Orlando Sentinel and South Florida Sun Sentinel Editorial Boards, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Mar. 2025
On Sunday night, Americans were treated to a variety of spurious allegations promulgated by several former State Department employees who have made a vocation of insisting that no one will listen to them.
—Noah Rothman, National Review, 13 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spurious
Adjective
-
Also known as package confusion, this form of attack was first demonstrated in 2021 in a proof-of-concept exploit that executed counterfeit code on networks belonging to some of the biggest companies on the planet, Apple, Microsoft, and Tesla included.—
Dan Goodin,
ArsTechnica,
29 Apr. 2025
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During the search, investigators also found counterfeit federal documents belonging to Guerra's boyfriend, who shares two children with the woman.—
Nicole Acosta,
People.com,
24 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
Last year’s 17-9 start proved to be a false spring, one that lulled fans into thinking Craig Counsell replacing David Ross was the real difference between an 83-win Cubs team and the postseason.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2025
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About a third of adults have heard the false claim that the measles vaccine is more dangerous than the disease, nearly double the share from a year ago.—
Deidre McPhillips,
CNN Money,
23 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In January 2024, the work was sold to Geffen, seemingly on Sun’s behalf — Sun now says the sale was illegitimate.—
Rachel Corbett,
Vulture,
16 Apr. 2025
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They get snared into helping their private investigator friend Moby (Hung) track down kidnappers intent on capturing a young woman named Sylvia (Lola Forner), who turns out to be the illegitimate daughter of a Spanish count.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
7 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
This dog sofa features furniture-quality construction, with fake leather upholstery, memory foam internal padding and legs to hold it off the floor.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Apr. 2025
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Expect more fake eggs made of colored marshmallows or even potatoes on this year’s Easter spread With egg prices stubbornly high, the internet has offered up a host of alternatives, with crafters painting rocks and influencers dyeing everything from marshmallows to potatoes.—
William Lambers,
Hartford Courant,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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While headphones usually create an unnatural and exaggerated stereo field inside the listener’s head, with virtual acoustic spaces a more natural stereo field can be experienced through headphones.—
Mark Sparrow,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
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Photos often have unnatural colors, with little detail upon close inspection.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The outlet stated that prosecutor Cray explained how the suspect had used a forged license to purchase a gun and 100 cartridges for around $843 (£650) from a private seller.—
Becca Longmire,
People.com,
19 Mar. 2025
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She was charged with misdemeanor identity theft and criminal possession of a forged instrument, later pleading guilty to one misdemeanor count.—
Katie Langford,
The Denver Post,
18 Mar. 2025
Adjective
-
Without further ado, here is the sixth iteration of mock drafts, with this being the mock draft just before the final one, which will be put out on the day of the draft.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Apr. 2025
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Here’s our latest projections, in the Star-Telegram’s mock draft 2.0: FIRST ROUND 1.—
Nick Harris,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Forbes reported that the relationship between Natalia and the Mans family became strained in 2023, the same year the couple officially adopted her.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Apr. 2025
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Overtourism is a serious concern, particularly for smaller ports, where large crowds can have a significant impact, leading to strained infrastructure and affecting local quality of life.—
Jessica Benavides Canepa,
AFAR Media,
17 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Spurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spurious. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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