counterfeit 1 of 3

counterfeit

2 of 3

noun

counterfeit

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word counterfeit different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of counterfeit are fake, fraud, humbug, imposture, and sham. While all these words mean "a thing made to seem other than it is," counterfeit applies especially to the close imitation of something valuable.

20-dollar bills that were counterfeits

In what contexts can fake take the place of counterfeit?

The synonyms fake and counterfeit are sometimes interchangeable, but fake implies an imitation of or substitution for the genuine but does not necessarily imply dishonesty.

these jewels are fakes; the real ones are in the vault

When is it sensible to use fraud instead of counterfeit?

In some situations, the words fraud and counterfeit are roughly equivalent. However, fraud usually implies a deliberate perversion of the truth.

the diary was exposed as a fraud

Where would humbug be a reasonable alternative to counterfeit?

The meanings of humbug and counterfeit largely overlap; however, humbug suggests elaborate pretense usually so flagrant as to be transparent.

creating publicity by foisting humbugs on a gullible public

When might imposture be a better fit than counterfeit?

The words imposture and counterfeit are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, imposture applies to any situation in which a spurious object or performance is passed off as genuine.

their claim of environmental concern is an imposture

When would sham be a good substitute for counterfeit?

The words sham and counterfeit can be used in similar contexts, but sham applies to fraudulent imitation of a real thing or action.

condemned the election as a sham

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 counterfeit
Adjective
Many counterfeit pills contain fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and is a leading cause of drug overdose deaths. Katia Hetter, CNN, 5 Mar. 2025 It was often mixed with heroin or into counterfeit pills, most likely because adding fentanyl could make a small amount of heroin, then in short supply, go a lot further. Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025
Noun
Some critics allege that U.S. research security is still not properly defending American science and technology against theft or counterfeit by rivals. Mark Zachary Taylor, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025 That confirms what Srinivasan and others believe about the future of battling counterfeits. Laurie Brookins, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
Earlier this year, French, Italian, and Swiss police forces teamed up to bust a ring of wine fraudsters who were selling counterfeited Grand Cru wines (the premier designation of quality in French wine) for up to €15,000 a bottle. Chris Hall, WIRED, 18 Dec. 2024 Verification of authenticity: With product counterfeiting being a significant issue, especially in food and consumer electronics, a digital passport can verify the authenticity of a product, ensuring safety and quality. Adrian Stelmach, Forbes, 31 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for counterfeit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterfeit
Adjective
  • At times, these characters surrounded by the green and gold blur of jungle and sunshine almost look fake, or as if they’re being shot in a studio.
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Connecting Japanese fans with all MLB players, teams Justin Turner #3 of the Chicago Cubs poses with young fans who wear fake beard prior to the game against Yomiuri Giants at Tokyo Dome on March 16, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan.
    Ian Thomas, CNBC, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • McIlroy bogeyed the island-green hole after missing a 9-foot putt for par, but Spaun fared far worse, sending his tee shot into the water and eventually making triple bogey, including missing a 10-foot putt for double.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Her modern, minimalist pieces—such as a black bowl with a double lip and a beige cup with a crackled, rustlike patina—had already made frequent appearances at the salon.
    Rebekah Peppler, Travel + Leisure, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • President Trump has called climate change a hoax and railed against wind turbines, energy efficiency standards and electric vehicles.
    Neela Banerjee, NPR, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The medical and psychiatric records in question supported the argument by relatives of Sandy Hook victims that they had been traumatized by Jones’ assertions that the elementary school massacre was a hoax and by years of harassment by members of his audience.
    Edmund H. Mahony, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Against an unstable, precarious world, designers forged ahead making clothes for future versions of us—six months into the future, but into the future nonetheless.
    Laia Garcia-Furtado, Vogue, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Without their go-to scorer and clutch performer, the Knicks are forging a new identity as a stout defensive team.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But one of the show’s most viral clips is much more representative: The veteran SNL writer Jim Downey pretends to have never heard about Jeffrey Epstein’s misdeeds, to O’Brien’s bleating objections.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 22 Mar. 2025
  • Appearing in his second Saturday Night Live-adjacent film after Wayne's World, Lowe played the villainous Paul Barrish, Tommy's older stepbrother, who plots to take over his father's company with help from his secret lover, partner-in-crime, and pretend mother, Beverly (played by Bo Derek).
    Mike Miller, EW.com, 22 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • 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
  • 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
Noun
  • Researchers in Pompeii have revealed that a painting initially thought to be a copy, hanging in a local church, is in fact an original work that went missing, by Renaissance master Andrea Mantegna, reports ANSA.
    The Editors of ARTnews, ARTnews.com, 19 Mar. 2025
  • So pack your bags, pick up that worn copy of your favorite Austen classic, and set out on an adventure that would make even Lizzie Bennet proud.
    Jordi Lippe-McGraw, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • What constitutes the crime is to phony up business accounting records to disguise the payments.
    New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 22 Apr. 2024
  • In fact, legislators and regulators are rolling back regulations designed to protect investors, who in this case are estimated to have lost $100 billion to phony Chinese firms.
    Gary Thompson, Philly.com, 29 Mar. 2018

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Cite this Entry

“Counterfeit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterfeit. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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