forgery

noun

forg·​ery ˈfȯr-jə-rē How to pronounce forgery (audio)
ˈfȯrj-rē
plural forgeries
Synonyms of forgerynext
1
: something forged
2
: an act of forging
especially : the crime of falsely and fraudulently making or altering a document (such as a check)
3
archaic : invention

Examples of forgery in a Sentence

that is a cheap forgery, not an authentic Ming Dynasty vase
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On Wednesday, a Wayne County jury acquitted Hamtramck City Councilmember Mohammed Hassan of both felony counts of election law forgery and forging a signature on an absentee ballot application. Gino Vicci, CBS News, 1 July 2026 Federal law strictly prohibits the publication of nonconsensual intimate imagery, including digital forgeries, and most states have passed criminal laws. Bhakti Mirchandani, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 This one is an all-in-one device that includes forgery-proof palm-vein recognition technology, a 2K HD camera, and a rear lock video screen. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026 Mangione, 28, is also facing a concurrent state case where he is charged with second-degree murder as well as weapons possession and forgery. Ben Brachfeld, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for forgery

Word History

Etymology

forge entry 2 + -ery

First Known Use

1583, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of forgery was in 1583

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Forgery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgery. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

forgery

noun
forg·​ery ˈfōrj-(ə-)rē How to pronounce forgery (audio)
ˈfȯrj-
plural forgeries
1
: something (as a signature) that has been forged
2
: the crime of falsely making or changing a written paper or signing someone else's name

Legal Definition

forgery

noun
forg·​ery
plural forgeries
1
: the act of falsely making, altering, or imitating (as a document or signature) with intent to defraud
also : the crime of committing such an act
2
: something that is forged

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