adj
Uncommon
phony
FOH-nee
Phony (adj) means Fake or fraudulent; not genuine. Example: “He was arrested for using a phony passport.”
adj
1
Fake or fraudulent; not genuine.
"He was arrested for using a phony passport."
"Her sympathy sounded completely phony."
noun
1
A person who pretends to be something they are not.
"Everyone at the office could tell he was a phony."
How to use phony
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFake, insincere, or not the real thing — can describe an object, a person, or a feeling.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
a phony excuse
sound phony
phony smile
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Word forms
- Plural
- phonies
- Third person singular
- phonies
- Past tense
- phonied
- Comparative
- phonier
- Superlative
- phoniest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He was arrested for using a _____ passport.
Etymology
Origin uncertain; possibly an alteration of "fawny," old slang for a gilt ring used by street swindlers.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for phony
See all rhymes for phony →Frequently asked questions
What does “phony” mean?
The word “phony” means fake or fraudulent; not genuine. In plain terms, fake, insincere, or not the real thing — can describe an object, a person, or a feeling.
How do you pronounce “phony”?
“Phony” is pronounced FOH-nee (/ˈfoʊni/ in IPA).
How do you use “phony” in a sentence?
Here is “phony” used in a sentence: “He was arrested for using a phony passport.”
What is the opposite of “phony”?
The opposite of “phony” — its antonyms — are authentic and genuine.
What part of speech is “phony”?
Depending on how it is used, “phony” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “phony” a common word?
“Phony” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “phony” have?
“Phony” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: fake or fraudulent; not genuine.
