25 Other Ways to Say FAKE | FAKE Synonyms With Examples

People often hear the word FAKE in many situations. Sometimes it is about a person who is not honest, or it can be about an object that is not real. We use different words to describe the same idea. Words like false, bogus, and counterfeit can also mean FAKE. In this article, you will learn 25 useful synonyms for FAKE with meanings and examples.

False

The word “false” is often used when something is not true. It can be used for statements, smiles, promises, or even hope. People may say something is false when it looks correct but is actually wrong. This word is very common and useful in many daily situations. For example, when someone gives a false answer, it means the answer is not correct.

• He made a false promise to his friend.
• The false alarm caused panic.
• Her false smile showed she was hiding her feelings.

Bogus

The word “bogus” is used when something is completely not real. It is often used when people make excuses or documents that are not true. When someone gives a bogus story, it means they are not honest. You can use bogus for tickets, excuses, or even products that are not genuine. This word is often used in casual talk to show disbelief.

• He was arrested for selling bogus tickets.
• The manager did not believe her bogus excuse.
• They warned us about bogus phone calls.

Counterfeit

Counterfeit means something is made to look real but is actually fake. It is often used for money, goods, or official papers. People who make counterfeit things try to trick others. If you hear about counterfeit money, it means money that is fake but looks like real. This word shows dishonesty in business or trade.

• The police caught him with counterfeit currency.
• She bought a counterfeit handbag without knowing.
• The shopkeeper warned about counterfeit notes.

Fraudulent

Fraudulent means something is done with cheating or lying. It often describes actions where someone tries to trick people for money or power. Fraudulent documents, fraudulent claims, and fraudulent business deals are common uses. When you hear this word, think of cheating done on purpose. It is a strong word often used in serious cases.

• He was jailed for fraudulent activities.
• They filed a complaint about a fraudulent scheme.
• The bank warned about fraudulent messages.

Imitation

Imitation is used for copies that look like the real thing but are not original. It can be used for clothes, jewelry, food, or even behavior. Sometimes imitation is not always bad, like children imitating parents. But in terms of products, it often means fake. Imitation goods are cheaper but not as good as the real ones.

• She wore imitation pearls at the party.
• The chair was made of imitation leather.
• His painting was only an imitation of a famous one.

Pretend

Pretend means to act as if something is real when it is not. Children often pretend while playing games. Adults may also pretend to feel happy or strong when they are not. Pretending can sometimes be fun, but it can also hide true feelings. This word is very common and easy to use in many daily talks.

• The children pretend to be superheroes.
• He tried to pretend he was not afraid.
• She pretended to like the gift.

Sham

Sham means something that is not real and is made to trick people. It is often used when something is fake but shown as real. For example, a sham marriage means it is not real love but only for some benefit. A sham deal means it has no true value. This word is often used to show strong dislike.

• The event was nothing but a sham.
• He called the meeting a sham.
• Their friendship turned out to be a sham.

Forged

Forged means something is made illegally to look real. It is often used with documents, signatures, or money. When someone signs a forged document, it means the signature is not real. Forgery and forged things are crimes in most countries. This word shows dishonesty in legal matters.

• The contract had a forged signature.
• He was caught with forged documents.
• The note looked forged to the officer.

Phony

Phony is often used for people or things that are not real or honest. A phony person may act nice but is not true inside. Phony products are also fake. This word is common in casual speech. When you call someone phony, it means you do not trust them.

• His phony smile fooled no one.
• She was tired of his phony behavior.
• They sold phony products in the market.

Fabricated

Fabricated means something is made up or invented. It is often used for stories, news, or evidence that is not real. When someone fabricates a story, they are creating lies. This word is serious and often used in news or reports. It shows dishonesty with facts.

• The report was fabricated to hide the truth.
• They spread a fabricated rumor.
• His fabricated story was soon exposed.

Spurious

Spurious means something looks true but is not. It can be used for claims, arguments, or even emotions. This word is less common in daily talk but useful in formal writing. A spurious claim means a claim without truth. It shows something that is false and misleading.

• They dismissed his spurious claims.
• The document was spurious and not accepted.
• His spurious argument did not convince anyone.

Deceptive

Deceptive means something that gives the wrong idea. It is used when something looks one way but is another. For example, an ad may look attractive but be deceptive. Deceptive words or acts are often done on purpose. This word is common when warning others about tricks.

• The ad was deceptive and misleading.
• His calm look was deceptive.
• They warned customers about deceptive offers.

Insincere

Insincere means not real in feelings. If someone gives an insincere apology, it means they do not truly mean it. Insincere people may say kind words but not believe them. This word is often used in emotional matters like friendships or apologies.

• Her insincere words hurt him.
• He gave an insincere thanks.
• The letter sounded insincere.

Artificial

Artificial means made by people and not natural. Artificial flowers, flavors, or colors are common examples. Sometimes artificial things are useful, but the word can also mean not real. An artificial smile means it is not true.

• She wore artificial jewelry.
• The cake had artificial flavor.
• His artificial smile looked forced.

Pseudo

Pseudo means pretending to be something but not real. It is often used for people who act like experts but are not. A pseudo friend is someone who acts like a friend but is not. This word often shows false identity.

• He was a pseudo scientist.
• They exposed her pseudo claims.
• His pseudo confidence disappeared quickly.

Fraud

Fraud means trick done for gain. It is often used in legal or money matters. A fraud person cheats others. Fraud cases are taken seriously in law.

• He was guilty of fraud.
• They lost money in a fraud scheme.
• She was caught in tax fraud.

Unreal

Unreal means something not real. It is often used for dreams, pictures, or experiences. Sometimes it means something is amazing and hard to believe. It can also mean fake.

• The movie showed unreal scenes.
• The beauty of the place looked unreal.
• His unreal promise made her sad.

Fictitious

Fictitious means made up or not real. It is often used for stories, names, or characters. Fictitious accounts or addresses are fake ones. This word is common in books and reports.

• The novel had fictitious characters.
• They used a fictitious address.
• His story was totally fictitious.

Simulated

Simulated means something is made to look or act like real but is not. Simulated training or games are examples. It helps people prepare but it is not real.

• They had a simulated fire drill.
• The pilot trained in a simulated flight.
• The simulated attack tested the army.

Dummy

Dummy means a model that is not real. It is often used for dolls, models, or even fake items. A dummy can also mean someone used as a cover.

• The shop used a dummy for display.
• The dummy bomb caused fear.
• He acted as a dummy owner.

Hoax

Hoax means a trick or story made to fool people. It is often used for news or claims that are not true. A hoax can spread quickly and cause confusion.

• The alien story was a hoax.
• They laughed at the hoax call.
• The news turned out to be a hoax.

Quack

Quack is used for a fake doctor or healer. A quack pretends to have medical skill but does not. It is a dangerous kind of fake.

• The man was exposed as a quack.
• Villagers believed the quack’s lies.
• He sold fake medicine like a quack.

Pretender

Pretender is someone who acts like they are something but are not. It can be used for people claiming power or role. Pretenders try to look real but are not.

• He was a pretender to the throne.
• The boy was just a pretender.
• They called him a pretender friend.

Copycat

Copycat means someone who copies another. It can also be used for products that are not original. A copycat is not original or real.

• The design was a copycat.
• He acted like a copycat of his brother.
• They made a copycat version of the phone.

Forgery

Forgery is the crime of making fake things, often documents. A forged passport or signature is an example. It is a serious type of fake.

• The police found a forgery passport.
• The signature was forgery.
• He was arrested for forgery.

Final Thoughts

Fake things and people are everywhere. Knowing many synonyms helps to describe them better. From false smiles to counterfeit money, every word gives a different shade of meaning. Use these synonyms in real talk to make ideas strong and clear. These words will help you notice and explain fake things more easily.