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.
He was charged with forgery and larceny. Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 17 May 2026 The latest movie, Hannah, a baker turned amateur detective investigates the murder of a key witness in a high-profile forgery case, and the disappearance of the lead prosecutor in the case. Lori A Bashian , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2026 Rostas was arrested and charged with state forgery, larceny, interfering with an officer and criminal impersonation offenses. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026 The campaign says entire batches of signatures collected by Bronske were rejected after three towns contacted the Secretary of State’s Office with concerns of forgery. Tim Dunn, Boston Herald, 14 May 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 20 May. 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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