phony
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.
Zadie Smith quit keeping a diary because the exercise made her feel phony and self-conscious.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
The scams include fraudulent invoices, advance-fee fraud, overpayment scams, fictional prizewinnings, no-risk investment temptations, fake charities, shipping scams, prepaid shipping-label scams, package-rerouting scams and phony job opportunities.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026
He is hired as an intern by a phony physician whose reputation is founded on knowledge of “a certain professional slang, humored by a medical face.”
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 9, 2026
Claudius comes across as a sinister puffed-up phony.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2026
Then Dad crams some phony cheer into his voice and says, "Hey, who knows? Everything could be back to normal in half an hour. But no matter what, we tell no one. Agreed?"
From "Things Not Seen" by Andrew Clements
Vocabulary lists containing phony
Fake It 'Til You Make It: Synonyms for "False"
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The Catcher in the Rye
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"Sorry, Wrong Number," Vocabulary from the play
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