18 Other Ways to Say FALSE | False Synonyms (Examples)

You might not realize it, but the word FALSE comes up in many situations in daily life. You use it when something is not true or when information is misleading. Learning other words for FALSE can make your writing and speaking more interesting. It can also help you sound smarter and clearer. Let’s explore 18 similar words for FALSE with examples you can use today.

18 Different Ways to Say FALSE: Another Word for False

Untrue

Untrue is a simple word that means something is not correct or accurate. You can use it when a statement, story, or claim doesn’t match reality. It works well in conversations, writing, and reporting when you want to point out that information is not right. Untrue is gentle and easy to understand. It’s often used in schools, news, and everyday discussions about facts. Using untrue helps make your meaning clear without sounding harsh or angry.

• His story about winning the lottery was completely untrue.
• The rumor she spread about her friend was untrue.
• It is untrue that cats can see in total darkness.

Wrong

Wrong is a very common word to show that something is not correct. It’s flexible and can be used for facts, opinions, or actions. Saying something is wrong is simple and direct. It is also widely understood by everyone, including children. You can use it to correct mistakes in homework, statements, or even behavior. Wrong is a casual way to indicate that something does not match reality or truth.

• You got the answer to this math problem wrong.
• It is wrong to blame someone without proof.
• His assumption about the rules was wrong.

Incorrect

Incorrect is often used in formal situations like exams, reports, or official documents. It shows that a fact, number, or statement does not match the truth. Incorrect is polite yet firm, so it works well in professional settings. It can be more precise than wrong because it often refers to facts and data. You can use it when you want to correct mistakes clearly and accurately. People often prefer incorrect when discussing serious topics.

• The answer on the test was incorrect.
• Your report contains several incorrect facts.
• It is incorrect to say the Earth is flat.

Fake

Fake is used when something is not real or is pretending to be something else. It can describe objects, emotions, or statements. Fake works in both casual and serious situations. It shows that something is intentionally made to look real but is false underneath. You often hear fake in fashion, social media, or everyday speech. It is easy to understand and makes your meaning very clear.

• She wore a fake diamond necklace to the party.
• The news article was completely fake.
• He gave a fake smile to hide his sadness.

Phony

Phony is similar to fake but often describes people or emotions. It shows that someone is pretending or being dishonest. Phony is casual and conversational. It can be used in friendships, relationships, or social situations. Using phony can make your sentences sound friendly while still pointing out dishonesty. It works when you want to highlight someone’s false behavior or attitude.

• He acted phony to impress his boss.
• Don’t trust phony compliments from strangers.
• Her phony laugh annoyed everyone in the room.

Bogus

Bogus is a playful yet clear word to show something is false or not real. It’s often used for ideas, claims, or objects. Bogus makes your speech or writing sound casual and fun. People use it to describe scams, fake offers, or false information. It works well in everyday conversations when you want to call something false in a friendly way. Bogus is easy to remember and use.

• That email claiming you won money is bogus.
• The company made a bogus promise to customers.
• His excuse for being late was totally bogus.

Fraudulent

Fraudulent is a stronger word for false, often used in legal or serious matters. It shows intentional deception or trickery. You can use it to describe actions, documents, or statements that are meant to cheat or mislead. Fraudulent is formal and powerful. It highlights dishonesty with real consequences. This word is perfect when discussing crime, contracts, or serious lies.

• The company was fined for fraudulent practices.
• He filed a fraudulent insurance claim.
• The signature on the document was fraudulent.

Deceptive

Deceptive means something is false in a way that tricks or misleads people. It can describe statements, appearances, or actions. Deceptive is useful when you want to show someone might believe something that is not true. It is often used in warnings, advertisements, or advice. Deceptive works well when describing behavior that looks right but is actually false.

• The advertisement was deceptive and misleading.
• His calm voice was deceptive; he was angry inside.
• The map gave a deceptive sense of distance.

Counterfeit

Counterfeit is usually used for money, documents, or goods that are fake. It emphasizes that the item is made to look real but is not. Counterfeit is formal and often appears in legal or police contexts. Using it shows you are serious about the false nature of an object. It is precise and leaves no doubt that something is intentionally made to deceive.

• The police found counterfeit bills in the wallet.
• She unknowingly bought a counterfeit designer bag.
• The documents were proven to be counterfeit.

Dishonest

Dishonest focuses on people’s behavior rather than objects. It shows someone is lying, cheating, or hiding the truth. You can use dishonest in relationships, workplaces, or everyday life. It highlights moral wrongdoing connected to being false. Dishonest is simple and easy to understand. It is ideal for describing both small and big lies.

• He was dishonest about his work experience.
• Dishonest actions can ruin trust quickly.
• The salesperson was dishonest with the customers.

Misleading

Misleading describes information or signs that give a false impression. It may not be outright lies but still causes confusion. Misleading is useful in instructions, ads, and communication. It tells people that something might seem true but is actually false. Using misleading shows you are warning others without being aggressive. It works perfectly when you want to prevent mistakes or misunderstandings.

• The headline was misleading and confusing.
• His instructions were misleading to new students.
• The advertisement was misleading but not illegal.

Invalid

Invalid is often used for rules, documents, or arguments that are not correct or acceptable. It shows that something is false because it doesn’t meet standards. Invalid is formal and precise. It is common in professional, legal, or technical situations. Using invalid helps you sound clear and confident about why something is false. It is a strong word for official corrections.

• The coupon is invalid after the expiration date.
• His argument was invalid and rejected by the judge.
• The ticket became invalid because it was damaged.

Fabricated

Fabricated describes something completely made up or invented. It can be stories, evidence, or excuses. Fabricated shows intentional creation of false things. It is formal but also widely understood in everyday speech. Using fabricated helps emphasize that something is not accidental but planned to be false. It works well in storytelling or serious discussions about lies.

• She fabricated a story to cover her mistake.
• The evidence was fabricated to mislead the jury.
• He fabricated an excuse for missing the meeting.

Sham

Sham is used for things that pretend to be real but are false. It can describe objects, events, or emotions. Sham is casual and easy to understand. It often has a slightly humorous tone while pointing out falseness. Using sham works when you want to show something is not genuine without being harsh. People use it to talk about fake events or fake appearances.

• The promotion was a sham to attract customers.
• His apology was a sham, not sincere.
• The festival turned out to be a sham.

Pretended

Pretended is used when someone acts as if something is true when it is not. It focuses on behavior and appearances. Pretended is gentle and easy to understand. It often describes emotions, actions, or reactions. Using pretended makes your sentences sound natural and relatable. It is common in storytelling, conversations, and describing children’s games.

• She pretended to be sick to avoid school.
• He pretended to understand the lesson.
• The cat pretended to be asleep when the dog came close.

Spurious

Spurious describes claims, arguments, or facts that are false or misleading. It is often used in discussions, debates, or research. Spurious is more formal but very precise. Using it shows intelligence and clarity. It is useful when you want to point out that something seems correct but is actually false. This word emphasizes the false quality with authority.

• The scientist rejected the spurious theory.
• His spurious claims caused confusion.
• They discovered spurious data in the report.

Fallacious

Fallacious is used for arguments, ideas, or beliefs that are based on wrong logic or false reasoning. It shows that something is not just false but also misleading. Fallacious is formal and perfect for discussions, essays, or debates. Using fallacious makes your language precise. It highlights mistakes in reasoning rather than just facts.

• The politician made a fallacious argument.
• Her conclusion was fallacious and incorrect.
• The reasoning behind the rumor was fallacious.

Phoney

Phoney is another casual word for fake or false, often describing people or actions. It shows someone or something is pretending. Phoney is easy to understand and works in daily conversation. Using phoney can make your speech fun and relatable while still showing dishonesty. It emphasizes appearance over truth.

• He gave a phoney apology to cover his mistake.
• The document looked phoney to the inspector.
• She wore a phoney smile during the meeting.

Table of Synonyms for False

Final Thoughts

I hope this list of 18 synonyms for FALSE helps you speak and write more clearly. Using these words can make your sentences more interesting, precise, and fun. Each word has its own style, from casual to formal, so you can pick the right one for any situation. Exploring synonyms also improves your vocabulary and makes communication stronger. Start using them today and notice the difference in your expression.