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sham

[sham] / ʃæm /






Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for sham?
The word sham commonly refers to something that’s not what it claims to be—some kind of fraud or fake. This sense of the word can even refer to a person, as in He’s a total fake, a sham—you should see what he’s really like.  Sham is often used even more specifically to refer to something that’s considered a scam, con, or hoax, as in This whole thing is a sham—they’re just trying to get your money.  Sometimes, sham refers to a situation that’s considered illegitimate for some reason, as in The trial was a sham—there wasn’t even a jury. Synonyms for this sense are farce and mockery. Sham can also be used as an adjective for any of these senses, as in sham trial (an illegitimate one), sham marriage (one in which the couple aren’t in a real relationship), or sham version (a fake or knockoff version).
How do you use sham in a sentence?
We use sham in a number of different ways, but they all involve some kind of falseness or fakeness. It’s usually always used negatively. Here are some examples of sham in a sentence:
  • The “charity” event was a sham—it was just an excuse for a tax write-off.
  • I knew something about him seemed fake, but I didn’t expect him to turn out to be a complete sham. 
  • The dictator is known for holding sham elections to give the appearance of legitimacy.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Lau's cubicle is one of nine in a single unit, separated by thin wooden dividers, in a 60-year-old building in one of Hong Kong's poorest neighbourhoods, Sham Shui Po.

From Barron's • May 28, 2026

After enduring wartime turmoil, the shop relocated to Hong Kong, eventually finding its place amid the bustling meat and vegetable vendors in Sham Shui Po district.

From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025

A girl named Sham was born in Gaza in November 2023 and survived smoke poisoning as an infant.

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2025

In a statement Monday, Hayat Tahrir al Sham announced “a general amnesty for all military personnel conscripted under compulsory service,” adding that “their lives are safe” and proscribing any revenge assaults.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2024

It was Pierce who said, "Kipps, you ought to stand Sham!"

From Kipps The Story of a Simple Soul by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)




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