fake
/feɪk/
ADJECTIVE
1. Not genuine or authentic
Made, produced, or presented to look like something genuine, although it is not the real thing.
1.1. Counterfeit goods and imitations
Describing products, objects, documents, or materials that imitate genuine items, especially when intended to deceive people about their authenticity.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The market was flooded with fake designer handbags.
- Police discovered that the documents were fake.
Related Words
- replica
- knockoff
- reproduction
- synthetic
1.2. Artificial or man-made substitutes
Describing something manufactured to resemble a natural substance, material, or object rather than being naturally occurring.
Synonyms
- artificial
- synthetic
- man-made
- faux
- imitation
Antonyms
Examples
- She decorated the room with fake flowers.
- The jacket was made from fake leather.
Related Words
- manufactured
- simulated
- plastic
- substitute
1.3. False or fabricated information
Describing statements, stories, evidence, identities, or claims that are invented or deliberately presented as true despite being untrue.
Synonyms
- false
- fabricated
- fictitious
- bogus
- invented
- untrue
- spurious
Antonyms
Examples
- The journalist exposed the fake news circulating online.
- He submitted fake evidence to support his claim.
Related Words
- deceptive
- misleading
- fraudulent
- concocted
NOUN
2. A person who pretends to be genuine
A person who deceives others by pretending to have qualities, abilities, credentials, or an identity that they do not actually possess.
2.1. Impostors and deceptive people
Someone who falsely presents themselves as another person or as someone with qualifications, status, or expertise they do not possess.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- genuine person
- authentic individual
- honest person
Examples
- The fake was exposed when he could not provide proof of his medical qualifications.
- Everyone eventually realized that the supposed expert was a fake.
Related Words
- trickster
- swindler
- quack
- poseur
2.2. A counterfeit or deceptive object
An object, document, or representation that is falsely presented as an authentic original.
Synonyms
- counterfeit
- imitation
- forgery
- sham
- phony
Antonyms
- original
- authentic item
- genuine article
Examples
- The painting turned out to be a fake.
- Collectors paid large sums before discovering that the antique was a fake.
Related Words
- replica
- reproduction
- forged document
- knockoff
VERB
3. To pretend or simulate something
To act as though something is true, real, or happening when it is not.
3.1. Pretending to have a feeling or condition
Acting as if one experiences a particular emotion, illness, condition, or state when it is not genuine.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- reveal
- disclose
- express genuinely
Examples
- He tried to fake an illness to avoid going to work.
- She faked surprise when her friends entered the room.
Related Words
- act
- feint
- masquerade
- put on
3.2. Impersonating someone or something
Pretending to be another person or presenting oneself as having an identity, role, or authority that one does not possess.
Synonyms
- impersonate
- pose as
- masquerade as
- pretend to be
Antonyms
- identify oneself
- be oneself
- reveal one's identity
Examples
- The criminal tried to fake being a police officer.
- He faked his identity to gain access to the restricted building.
Related Words
- imitate
- disguise
- assume an identity
- personate
3.3. Fabricating or falsifying information
Deliberately creating or altering information, records, results, or evidence to make something false appear genuine.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- verify
- authenticate
- validate
- substantiate
Examples
- The accountant tried to fake the financial records.
- The researchers were accused of faking their experimental results.
Related Words
- manipulate
- misrepresent
- invent
- alter
3.4. Deceiving through dishonest speech
Speaking insincerely, inventing stories, or making statements without regard for the truth in order to mislead others.
Synonyms
- dissemble
- feign
- pretend
- bull
- misrepresent
Antonyms
- tell the truth
- speak honestly
- be sincere
Examples
- He faked confidence during the interview despite feeling nervous.
- She knew he was faking when he claimed to understand the situation.
Related Words
3.5. Making a deceptive move in sports
Using a misleading movement or action to trick an opponent into reacting in the wrong direction.
Synonyms
Examples
- The striker faked left before moving past the defender on the right.
- The basketball player faked a pass to confuse the opposing team.
Related Words
- dodge
- swerve
- maneuver