Synonyms for
Sham
Definition
Something that is not real or genuine; a counterfeit or fake.
Synonyms & similar words
pseud
pretend
puton
fake
fictitious
roleplayer
impostor
simulate
fraud
assumed
pretended
faker
dissemble
assume
false
pretender
pseudo
imposter
postiche
shammer
fictive
affect
feign
fraud
hoax
phony
pretend
imitation
fake
counterfeit
deception
trickery
bogus
forgery
simulation
fabrication
shoddy
mockery
charade
imitate
mimic
feign
simulate
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- a complete sham
- utter sham
- economic sham
- political sham
- sham marriage
- sham operation
- shamelessly sham
Word family
Usage note
The word 'sham' often implies a deliberate deception intended to mislead. While it can be used as a verb, it is more commonly used as a noun.
Example sentences
- The magician's tricks were all a sham.
- The painting turned out to be a sham, a copy of the original.
- He pretended to be interested in her, but it was just a sham.
- The company's promises of a better future were a sham.
- The athlete was accused of shamming an injury to avoid playing.
Quotes
Believe nothing of what you hear and only half of what you see. That's the only way to avoid being taken in by a sham like me.
It's a sham to say that some people are not worth the dirt they walk on.
The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are a sham, because they don't have a heart for God.