adjective

fake

fayk

adjective

Not genuine; made to look real in order to deceive.

"He was arrested for selling fake designer handbags."

"The news story turned out to be completely fake."

noun

An object, person, or claim that is not what it appears to be.

"The painting hanging in the museum was later found to be a fake."

verb

To make something appear real or true when it isn't; to pretend.

"She faked a smile to get through the awkward dinner."

"He faked an injury to get out of practice."

How to Use Fake

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething (or someone) pretending to be real or genuine when it isn't.

Common mistake

In sports, "fake" can also mean a deceptive move to trick an opponent — not just an object.

Common pairings

fake news fake smile fake it faked injury

Word Forms

faker comparative, more fake comparative, faked past tense, faked past tense, fakes plural, fakes plural, fakes singular, fakes singular, fakest superlative, most fake superlative

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

He was arrested for selling _____ designer handbags.

Etymology

First recorded around 1775 in British criminal slang; its exact origin is uncertain, though it may trace back to a German word meaning "to polish" or "spruce up."

Synonyms

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artificial bad bogus concocted counterfeit ersatz fabricated false falsified faux feigned forged

Antonyms

genuine real

Related Words

false wrong counterfeit good bad OK beautiful spurious

Rhymes for fake

ake take make rake wake cake lake sake bake jake Dake snake

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artificial bad bogus concocted counterfeit ersatz fabricated false falsified faux feigned forged