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Definitions

trumped-up

[truhmpt-uhp] / ˈtrʌmptˈʌp /
ADJECTIVE
made up
Synonyms
WEAK
bogus concocted cooked-up deceitful devised dishonest fabricated fake false falsified fictitious fishy framed fraudulent imaginary incorrect invalid invented lying made up misleading phony sham unfounded unsound untrue
trumped up
ADJECTIVE
made up
Synonyms
WEAK
bogus concocted cooked up cooked-up deceitful devised dishonest fabricated fake false falsified fictitious fishy framed fraudulent imaginary incorrect invalid invented lying made up misleading phony sham unfounded unsound untrue

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.

Mr. Lai has been in prison on trumped-up charges ever since.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 2, 2025

Mark Li, 60, had been held in China since September 2016 on what activists say were trumped-up spying charges.

From BBC • Nov. 27, 2024

Instead, they were arrested on trumped-up obscenity charges and subjected to expensive litigation before the case against them was thrown out for lack of evidence.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2024

Alexei Navalny is Russia’s best-known opposition politician, whose health has been deteriorating since he was jailed on trumped-up charges in 2021.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 17, 2023

Soon after, the Gestapo arrested Burger on trumped-up charges.

From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple