Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for counterfeit.
Definitions

counterfeit

[koun-ter-fit] / ˈkaʊn tərˌfɪt /
ADJECTIVE
fake, simulated
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bogus copied false fictitious forged fraudulent phony spurious
STRONG
Hollywood affected assumed bent brummagem crock ersatz faked feigned framed imitation misleading mock pirate plant pretended pseudo put on sham wrong
WEAK
deceptive delusive delusory fishy not genuine not kosher pretentious snide soft-shell suppositious two-faced won't fly
Antonyms
STRONGEST
actual authentic factual genuine honest real sincere true truthful valid
STRONG
OK
NOUN
fake, forgery
Synonyms
STRONG
actor bum copy deceit deception dummy facsimile fraud hoax humbug imitation imposture phony pseudo put on reproduction sell sham simulacrum
WEAK
bogus junque
Antonyms
STRONG
frankness honesty openness original truth truthfulness uprightness
WEAK
real thing reality
VERB
make deceitful imitation
Synonyms
STRONGEST
fabricate
STRONG
Xerox affect ape assume bluff carbon cheat clone coin copy defraud delude ditto do dupe fake feign forge imitate impersonate mimeo mimic mint phony pretend sham simulate
WEAK
act like circulate bad money do like go like knock off make like make money phony up put on stat
Antonyms
STRONG
be original differ oppose reverse tell the truth
WEAK
be honest

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.

According to investigators, the scheme came to light in February when an employee identified a customer attempting to return what appeared to be a counterfeit item.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Inside, they discovered a large quantity of designer goods, along with counterfeit items, packaging materials, retail tags and identifiable stolen property.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

Fake Crocs are stuffed into bags and counterfeit Pandora jewellery looks genuine until you open the box.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

"The biggest problem with Pakistani medicine was that we used to receive counterfeit and fake medicines," ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman told AFP.

From Barron's • Feb. 16, 2026

“They paid like three hundred dollars to some scalper for counterfeit tickets!”

From "Small Steps" by Louis Sachar

Vocabulary lists containing counterfeit

Against All Odds: Contra and Counter

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

Fake It 'Til You Make It: Synonyms for "False"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!