sham

5 definitions • 8 examples

something that is not what it seems to be and is intended to deceive people, or someone who pretends to be something they are not:

It turned out that he wasn't a real doctor at all - he was just a sham.

They claimed that the election had been fair, but really it was a sham.

to pretend:

He isn't really upset - he's just shamming.

only pretending to be real; false:

They made a fortune through some sham property deal.

That jewellery looks sham to me.

She's trapped in a sham (= not good or satisfying) marriage.

someone or something that is falsely represented, esp. as being important or powerful:

I thought the meeting was a total sham and a waste of time.

pretended; not real:

a sham battle