counterfeit
4 synonyms and 0 antonyms for counterfeit, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Made to imitate something genuine in order to deceive; fake.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use counterfeit
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French contrefait, from contra- ("against") + facere ("to make") — literally "made in imitation."
Full origin of counterfeit →Frequently asked questions
What does “counterfeit” mean?
The word “counterfeit” means made to imitate something genuine in order to deceive; fake. In plain terms, fake, made to look real in order to trick people, especially with money or branded goods.
How do you pronounce “counterfeit”?
“Counterfeit” is pronounced KAWNTUH-fiht (/ˈkaʊn.tɚˌfɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “counterfeit” in a sentence?
Here is “counterfeit” used in a sentence: “The shipment of counterfeit watches was seized at customs.”
What part of speech is “counterfeit”?
Depending on how it is used, “counterfeit” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “counterfeit” come from?
The word “counterfeit” comes from Old French. From Old French contrefait, from contra- ("against") + facere ("to make") — literally "made in imitation.".
Is “counterfeit” a common word?
“Counterfeit” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “counterfeit” have?
“Counterfeit” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: made to imitate something genuine in order to deceive; fake.