Forgery: meaning, definitions and examples

Refers to the act of falsely creating or altering a document or signature with the intention to deceive. Often used in legal or official contexts.

• The signature on the contract was a forgery.
• He was arrested for forgery after trying to cash a fake check.

Specific to the imitation of money, goods, or documents with the intent to deceive. Often used in legal, financial, or commercial contexts.

• The police discovered a counterfeiting ring producing fake currency.
• Counterfeiting luxury brands is a serious crime.

A broad term that refers to any act of deception carried out for personal gain. Frequently used in financial, business, and legal contexts.

• He was convicted of credit card fraud.
• The company is facing allegations of financial fraud.

Refers to the act of copying or mimicking something, but without necessarily intending to deceive for personal gain. Often neutral or used in the context of creative works or products.

• The painting is an excellent imitation of the original.
• He wore an imitation leather jacket.

Used to describe something that has been illegally created to look like something else, often for fraudulent purposes. It generally has a negative connotation.

• The painting was a forgery, intended to deceive art collectors.
• She was arrested for her involvement in a document forgery ring.

Used to describe something that is made to look like something else but is not genuine. It often has a negative connotation.

• She bought a fake designer handbag without realizing it.
• The signature on the contract was found to be fake.

Used to describe a deliberate, exact or very close reproduction of something, usually for display or educational purposes. It generally has a neutral or even positive connotation.

• The museum displayed a replica of the ancient artifact.
• They built a replica of the famous ship for the movie.

Used to describe an exact or near-exact reproduction of something. It can have a neutral connotation depending on the context.

• I need a copy of the report by tomorrow.
• Can you make a copy of this document for me?

Used when referring to the act of creating a false document, signature, or artwork to deceive someone. It often relates to legal documents.

• The signature on the contract was a forgery.
• He was arrested for forgery after attempting to sell a fake painting as an original.

Typically associated with the illegal creation of currency, documents, or goods with the intention to deceive and pass them off as genuine.

• Counterfeiting money is a serious federal crime.
• The company took measures to prevent the counterfeiting of their products.

Refers to the act of altering, modifying, or tampering with information, documents, or data to mislead or deceive.

• He was fired for the falsification of company records.
• Falsification of historical facts is a violation of ethical standards.

Used to describe a broad range of deceitful practices, including trickery, intentional deception, and lying to secure unfair or unlawful gain. It implies deliberate intent to deceive.

• She was convicted of credit card fraud.
• The company was involved in securities fraud, leading to huge financial losses.