Phoney: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something or someone that is not genuine but tries to appear so, often in social contexts.

• He's such a phoney; he pretends to be rich, but he's actually broke.
• The phoney accent she used fooled no one.

A general term for anything made to look real but isn't. Can be used in various situations including social contexts, goods, and even emotions.

• He gave me a fake phone number.
• The watch he's wearing is fake.

Often used to describe statements or information that are incorrect or intended to deceive. Can also refer to artificial objects.

• The rumor about him quitting was false.
• She was wearing false eyelashes.

Primarily used to describe fake money, goods, or documents made to deceive people. Usually in legal or commercial settings.

• She was arrested for using counterfeit money.
• The market was flooded with counterfeit designer bags.

Commonly used to describe something that is fake or fraudulent, particularly when referring to documents or claims.

• The police found a bogus passport during the raid.
• His claim of winning the lottery turned out to be bogus.

Primarily used in legal or financial terms to describe deliberate deception, usually involving some form of fraud. This term has a strong negative connotation.

• He was convicted for his fraudulent business practices.
• The fraudulent scheme cost investors millions of dollars.

Used to describe someone or something that is not real or genuine, often in a negative sense.

• She smiled a phoney smile, trying to hide her true feelings.
• His phoney compliments made everyone uncomfortable.

Used to describe a person who pretends to be someone else, typically to deceive others, negative in tone.

• The imposter posed as a famous scientist to gain access to the conference.
• It turned out that he was an imposter with a fake identity.

Indicates someone who commits deceit with the objective of financial or personal gain, strongly negative.

• The company executive was charged with fraud.
• She felt betrayed after discovering his entire business was a fraud.

Applied to a person who falsely claims to have special knowledge or skills, usually in a negative or deceptive way.

• The self-proclaimed 'doctor' was exposed as a charlatan.
• People believed in the charlatan's promises of miracle cures.

Refers to someone who lies or tricks others to gain an advantage, carrying a strong negative connotation.

• He was known as a deceiver who couldn't be trusted.
• The deceiver's actions caused a lot of pain and confusion.

Used for objects that are not authentic, or for people who pretend to be someone they are not; generally carries a negative implication.

• That handbag is a fake; the real ones don't look like that.
• He turned out to be a fake friend, only around for his own benefit.