Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Showing results for sham. Search instead for shamr.
Definitions

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.

It included a sham surgery control group, allowing researchers to directly compare outcomes against a placebo procedure.

From Science Daily • May 6, 2026

The town has become infamous among online animal rescue activists around the world for one thing - sham dog rescue shelters.

From BBC • May 3, 2026

The FDA has demanded the company run another trial in which some patients would have to undergo sham brain surgery to serve as a control group.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 3, 2026

Participants who received the sham procedure regained about 40% more weight than those who underwent the actual treatment.

From Science Daily • Apr. 23, 2026

It gave me the creeps, helping Grandpa slip his pillow sham of roses under Granny’s head.

From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns




Vocabulary lists containing sham


Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "sham" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com