FRAUD Synonyms: 188 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'fraud' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of fraud are counterfeit , fake , humbug , imposture , and sham . While all these words mean "a thing made to seem other than it is," fraud usually implies a deliberate perversion of the truth. // the diary was exposed as a fraud

Q: When could 'counterfeit' be used to replace 'fraud'?

The words counterfeit and fraud can be used in similar contexts, but counterfeit applies especially to the close imitation of something valuable. // 20-dollar bills that were counterfeits

Q: When can 'fake' be used instead of 'fraud'?

The words fake and fraud are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fake implies an imitation of or substitution for the genuine but does not necessarily imply dishonesty. // these jewels are fakes ; the real ones are in the vault

Q: When would 'humbug' be a good substitute for 'fraud'?

The meanings of humbug and fraud largely overlap; however, humbug suggests elaborate pretense usually so flagrant as to be transparent. // creating publicity by foisting humbugs on a gullible public

Q: When might 'imposture' be a better fit than 'fraud'?

While in some cases nearly identical to fraud , imposture applies to any situation in which a spurious object or performance is passed off as genuine. // their claim of environmental concern is an imposture

Q: In what contexts can 'sham' take the place of 'fraud'?

Although the words sham and fraud have much in common, sham applies to fraudulent imitation of a real thing or action. // condemned the election as a sham

fraud

noun

ˈfrȯd

Definition of fraud next

as in scam

an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value thousands of people lost money when the investment scheme turned out to be a fraud

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in fake

one who makes false claims of identity or expertise the "blind" panhandler was just a fraud trying to con holiday shoppers out of their money

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in deception

the inclination or practice of misleading others through lies or trickery charges that he had gained control of his elderly mother's estate by fraud

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fraud different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of fraud are counterfeit, fake, humbug, imposture, and sham. While all these words mean "a thing made to seem other than it is," fraud usually implies a deliberate perversion of the truth.

the diary was exposed as a fraud

When could counterfeit be used to replace fraud?

The words counterfeit and fraud can be used in similar contexts, but counterfeit applies especially to the close imitation of something valuable.

20-dollar bills that were counterfeits

When can fake be used instead of fraud?

The words fake and fraud are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, fake implies an imitation of or substitution for the genuine but does not necessarily imply dishonesty.

these jewels are fakes; the real ones are in the vault

When would humbug be a good substitute for fraud?

The meanings of humbug and fraud largely overlap; however, humbug suggests elaborate pretense usually so flagrant as to be transparent.

creating publicity by foisting humbugs on a gullible public

When might imposture be a better fit than fraud?

While in some cases nearly identical to fraud, imposture applies to any situation in which a spurious object or performance is passed off as genuine.

their claim of environmental concern is an imposture

In what contexts can sham take the place of fraud?

Although the words sham and fraud have much in common, sham applies to fraudulent imitation of a real thing or action.

condemned the election as a sham

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of fraud The audit process will also include interviews for fraud risk and review of the foundations’ alignment with board policies and the Civic Center Act regarding facilities rentals. —

Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2025 Remember, awareness and proactive measures are your best defenses against credit card fraud. —

Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 26 Jan. 2025 After her prestigious awards, Cannon-Grant was soon indicted on 27 counts of corruption and welfare fraud. —

Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 25 Jan. 2025 Trump and his supporters claimed that the election was marred by voter fraud, including voters who cast multiple ballots or ballots cast for dead people. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for fraud

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fraud

Noun

According to a recent study, pickpocket scams are more prevalent in Europe, particularly in Italy, which ranked highest for pickpockets among the continent's other top destinations.

— Rylee Johnston, Travel + Leisure, 26 Jan. 2025
This felt more like a double-blind scam with Doogie Howser pulling the strings.

— John Romano, Orlando Sentinel, 25 Jan. 2025