Synonyms for

Counterfeit

Verb / ˈkaʊntɜ:ˌfɪt / Another word for counterfeit — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

made in exact imitation of something valuable or important with the intention to deceive or defraud.

Synonyms & similar words

forge fake forgery imitative genuine fake forged imitation phony fraudulent spurious bogus false mock copy replica simulation sham copycat knockoff counterfeit substitute facsimile pseudo artificial

Synonyms by register

Formal

spurious bogus fraudulent sham

Informal

fake phony knockoff faked

Literary

apocryphal simulated mock

Antonyms

genuine authentic real original legitimate true

Common collocations

  • counterfeit money
  • counterfeit goods
  • counterfeit currency
  • counterfeit product
  • counterfeit detection
  • counterfeit detection device
  • counterfeit bill

Word family

noun counterfeit
verb counterfeit
adjective counterfeit

Usage note

Often used to describe imitation money or goods. While 'counterfeit' can be a noun, verb, or adjective, it's most commonly encountered as an adjective.

Example sentences

  1. The store owner found out that the money he received was counterfeit.
  2. He was arrested for making counterfeit bills.
  3. The counterfeit product looked very similar to the real one.
  4. She discovered that the painting she bought was a counterfeit.
  5. He was fooled by the counterfeit designer watch.

Quotes

  • The best things in life are free, but unfortunately, so are the worst things, such as counterfeit money.
  • The counterfeiter does not merely copy money, but he also copies the morals of the society he lives in.
  • Counterfeit is the plague of all industry, the bane of honest trade, the foe of law and order.

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