Synonyms for

False

Verb / fɔ:ls / Another word for false — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

not true or accurate

Synonyms & similar words

offkey assumed faithlessly fictive imitation treacherously sour untrue faux fake treasonably true sham mistaken simulated delusive pretended fictitious puton traitorously fake untrue incorrect inaccurate wrong misleading deceptive dishonest fraudulent counterfeit fictitious bogus forged phony spurious fallacious erroneous specious unfounded groundless

Synonyms by register

Formal

erroneous incorrect inaccurate untrue

Informal

bogus phony fake lame wonky

Literary

fallacious mendacious spurious

Antonyms

true accurate correct real genuine valid factual

Common collocations

  • false alarm
  • false impression
  • false start
  • false teeth
  • false hope
  • false accusation
  • false sense of security

Word family

noun falsehood
adverb falsely

Usage note

Often used to describe something that is not true or is deliberately misleading. Be careful not to confuse with 'falsely' when used as an adverb.

Example sentences

  1. The false alarm made everyone panic.
  2. He accused me of saying something false.
  3. The information provided was false and misleading.
  4. She was arrested for giving false information to the police.
  5. The painting was a false copy of the original.

Quotes

  • Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense. - Buddha
  • The truth is rarely pure and never simple. - Oscar Wilde
  • Truth is like the sun. You can shut it out for a time, but it ain't going away. - Elvis Presley

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