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fake

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noun

fake

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verb

1
as in to counterfeit
to imitate or copy especially in order to deceive pranksters faked giant footprints and then claimed that they had seen Bigfoot

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
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as in to evade
to elude (an opponent in a sports contest) by making a deceptive or agile movement the running back faked the defense by stepping to his left and then quickly cutting to the right

Synonyms & Similar Words

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fake documents
counterfeit documents
falsified documents
fraudulent documents
phony documents
bogus documents
a fake identity
a falsified identity
a fraudulent identity
a counterfeit identity
a fictitious identity
a feigned identity
fake news
bogus news
phony news
a fake smile
an inauthentic smile
a feigned smile
a hollow smile
a counterfeit smile
a phony smile

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of fake are counterfeit, fraud, humbug, imposture, and sham. While all these words mean "a thing made to seem other than it is," 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 could counterfeit be used to replace fake?

The meanings of counterfeit and fake largely overlap; however, counterfeit applies especially to the close imitation of something valuable.

20-dollar bills that were counterfeits

When is fraud a more appropriate choice than fake?

The synonyms fraud and fake are sometimes interchangeable, but fraud usually implies a deliberate perversion of the truth.

the diary was exposed as a fraud

In what contexts can humbug take the place of fake?

While the synonyms humbug and fake are close in meaning, humbug suggests elaborate pretense usually so flagrant as to be transparent.

creating publicity by foisting humbugs on a gullible public

When is it sensible to use imposture instead of fake?

The words imposture and fake 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 fake?

Although the words sham and fake have much in common, 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 fake
Adjective
With its release, Keery is ready to ditch the fake hair and jumpsuit and step into the spotlight as his own brand of rock star. EW.com, 4 Apr. 2025 An Arizona man who authorities say was radicalized online was convicted on Thursday of planting a fake bomb at a Roseville church, court documents show. Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
As a bonus, this reusable fake is a fun prop to keep around for make-believe health care provider visits. Kimberly Stoney, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025 His said his aim was to bring the history of the glasses to life, and add value and traceability in a world plagued by fakes. Samantha Conti, WWD, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
Here's how to fake being a Cubs fan: First off, your eyes aren't deceiving you — the left-handed hitting outfielder is not Cody Bellinger. Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 17 Mar. 2025 People who fake disability — this is the major area of fraud in the Social Security system. Thomas Hager, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fake
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fake
Adjective
  • This smart-looking slip-on is available in a variety of materials, including faux nubuck and leather.
    Miles Walls, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Apr. 2025
  • At the stores, bestsellers in ready-to-wear have been their cashmeres and leathers, along with faux fur and items with special details such as rhinestones.
    Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • From data breaches and counterfeit products to the rapid spread of misinformation, brand image threats are constantly multiplying and evolving.
    Shay Solomon, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • An Arizona man’s arrest after allegedly passing a counterfeit $100 bill at a Chesterton pizza parlor has prompted further investigation about a potential connection to other similar incidents in Porter County.
    Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • In mock drafts, Hampton is often mocked to the early twenties or even late twenties to a team like the Washington Commanders.
    John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Afterward, a mock court-martial was held, complete with the sentencing and execution of a private accused of desertion.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 5 Apr. 2025
Adjective
  • By that same time next year, Munn had a nipple delay procedure, lymph node dissection, a double mastectomy, and reconstructive surgery.
    Jenna Ryu, SELF, 10 Apr. 2025
  • By the time Survivor’s post-merge double elimination episode was complete, only one original Vula member stood to live another day.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Dwight Gooden, who was the rookie of the year in 1984, thought the hoax was real at first.
    New York Daily News, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2025
  • In reality, the book and the article were the twin prongs of an elaborate hoax — but an important and influential one, Tinline explains in this entertaining history, with reverberations that have lasted into the present era of QAnon and Deep State conspiracy theories.
    New York Times, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The panel also agreed Way acted with malice, oppression or fraud, and awarded her another $250,000 in punitive damages.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Robinson faces five felonies: concealment of a death, identity theft, two counts of financial card theft, financial card fraud and car theft.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The film, which is represented internationally by Pathé, follows a woman who leaves her hometown to forge a bigger and better life for herself, but must return home because of a family emergency.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Giving consumers an authentic, memorable, and novel experience that shows how the brand understands the consumer on a deeper level forges a connection that can’t be bought.
    Alison Coleman, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This prompt gives you enough talking points to contribute thoughtfully without pretending to be an expert.
    Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
  • In the post, Oscar can be seen jumping into the ocean into his dad's arms, pretending to fly a plane, smiling with his mom Tana and cheesing on a blue truck.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Fake.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fake. Accessed 15 Apr. 2025.

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