faux
7 synonyms and 2 antonyms for faux, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Fake or imitation, especially of a material or style.
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.
Antonyms
How to use faux
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
faux leather
faux fur
faux pearls
Etymology
Borrowed directly from French faux, "false", the same root as the English word "false".
Full origin of faux →Frequently asked questions
What does “faux” mean?
The word “faux” means fake or imitation, especially of a material or style. In plain terms, describes something designed to imitate a more expensive or natural material.
How do you pronounce “faux”?
“Faux” is pronounced foh (/foʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “faux” in a sentence?
Here is “faux” used in a sentence: “The jacket was made from faux leather.”
What part of speech is “faux”?
“Faux” is an adjective.
Where does the word “faux” come from?
The word “faux” comes from French. Borrowed directly from French faux, "false", the same root as the English word "false".
Is “faux” a common word?
“Faux” is an uncommon word in modern English.
What is the difference between faux and fake?
Faux and fake both mean not genuine, but faux is typically used for materials and design styles, such as "faux fur" or "faux marble," giving a slightly more polished or intentional tone. Fake is more general and can carry a more negative or deceptive connotation, as in a "fake ID."
Why is faux leather called that instead of fake leather?
Faux leather is the standard marketing and design term because faux suggests a deliberate, often high-quality imitation of a material's look and texture. "Fake leather" is understood the same way but sounds more like calling out a low-quality knockoff.
What is a faux pas?
A faux pas is a social blunder or embarrassing mistake in etiquette or judgement, borrowing the French word faux, meaning "false" or "mistaken." The phrase is a fixed expression rather than a literal use of faux as an adjective for imitation materials.
