SHAM Synonyms: 254 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of sham are counterfeit , fake , fraud , humbug , and imposture . While all these words mean "a thing made to seem other than it is," sham applies to fraudulent imitation of a real thing or action. // condemned the election as a sham

Q: Where would 'counterfeit' be a reasonable alternative to 'sham'?

In some situations, the words counterfeit and sham are roughly equivalent. However, counterfeit applies especially to the close imitation of something valuable. // 20-dollar bills that were counterfeits

Q: When could 'fake' be used to replace 'sham'?

The meanings of fake and sham largely overlap; however, 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: In what contexts can 'fraud' take the place of 'sham'?

While the synonyms fraud and sham are close in meaning, fraud usually implies a deliberate perversion of the truth. // the diary was exposed as a fraud

Q: When is it sensible to use 'humbug' instead of 'sham'?

Although the words humbug and sham have much in common, 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 'sham'?

The words imposture and sham can be used in similar contexts, but 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

sham 1 of 3

adjective

Definition of sham next

as in faux

being such in appearance only and made with or manufactured from usually cheaper materials a sofa upholstered in sham leather

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in counterfeit

being such in appearance only and made or manufactured with the intention of committing fraud street vendors selling sham designer handbags to gullible tourists

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as in mock

lacking in natural or spontaneous quality the sham friendliness of a salesman trying to sell you something

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sham

2 of 3

noun

ˈsham

as in parody

a poor, insincere, or insulting imitation of something condemned the rigged election as a total sham

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in hoax

an imitation that is passed off as genuine the diamond turned out to be a sham

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original

as in fraud

one who makes false claims of identity or expertise that supposed French movie star was a sham

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sham

3 of 3

verb

as in to pretend

to present a false appearance of shammed a most unconvincing limp just to get sympathy

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Some common synonyms of sham are counterfeit, fake, fraud, humbug, and imposture. While all these words mean "a thing made to seem other than it is," sham applies to fraudulent imitation of a real thing or action.

condemned the election as a sham

Where would counterfeit be a reasonable alternative to sham?

In some situations, the words counterfeit and sham are roughly equivalent. However, counterfeit applies especially to the close imitation of something valuable.

20-dollar bills that were counterfeits

When could fake be used to replace sham?

The meanings of fake and sham largely overlap; however, 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

In what contexts can fraud take the place of sham?

While the synonyms fraud and sham are close in meaning, fraud usually implies a deliberate perversion of the truth.

the diary was exposed as a fraud

When is it sensible to use humbug instead of sham?

Although the words humbug and sham have much in common, 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 sham?

The words imposture and sham can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Examples 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 sham

Adjective

In one of those sham trials, a court sentenced Rusesabagina to 25 years. —

Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 29 July 2024 Navalny refers to a joking bet made with his lawyers, trying to predict the duration of his latest sham sentence. —

David Remnick, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024

Noun

The set also comes in a matching duvet cover and shams. —

Terri Williams, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 This set comes with five pieces including a comforter, two pillow shams, and two decorative pillows. —

Kirsten Chanel Webber, Rolling Stone, 29 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for sham

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sham

Adjective

The look featured a cropped black faux fur coat with white details along the cuffs, collar and pockets.

Catherine Santino, People.com, 11 Dec. 2024
This Pillow Cover With a Metallic Design Made from faux leather, this pillow cover creates an abstract and modern look in every room.

Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 2024