inauthentic

adjective

ˌi-ˌnȯ-ˈthen-tik How to pronounce inauthentic (audio)
Definition of inauthenticnext
as in counterfeit
being such in appearance only and made or manufactured with the intention of committing fraud an inauthentic warbonnet that was probably made in an overseas factory a few months ago

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of inauthentic The allegations have come from numerous readers, many of them writers themselves, expressing bafflement and dismay that the prize jury could have overlooked potential signs of inauthentic authorship. — Miles Klee, Wired News, 19 May 2026 Not necessarily inauthentic, but curated. — Shelby Stewart, Essence, 12 May 2026 Hwang said that this always sounded a false note with Chinese Americans because the mail order bride was already an outdated idea that was no longer practiced, and the overly submissive bride character, Mei-Li, seemed inauthentic, even in 1958. — Marla Jo Fisher, Daily News, 4 May 2026 The sellout crowds at Dodger Stadium have not forgiven Bregman for his role in the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, or forgotten about Crow-Armstrong’s comments in a Chicago magazine story that called out Dodgers fans as inauthentic and there only for the scene. — Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for inauthentic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for inauthentic
  1. counterfeit
  2. fake
  3. false
  4. forged
Adjective
  • The 2017 and 2024 total solar eclipses in North America saw problems with counterfeit products.
    — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Padgett, meanwhile, allegedly packaged and mailed the counterfeit stamps from multiple locations, including two post offices in Alabama.
    — Drew Pittock, USA Today, 24 July 2026
Definition of counterfeit
Adjective
  • Multiple schools are at the center of incidents in which teens are facing legal consequences for generating fake explicit images of their classmates.
    — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Gen Alphas seem to know almost immediately when something is fake, overproduced, delayed or culturally disconnected, which is why the strongest content right now often feels chaotic.
    — Kelly Samuel, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Bryan Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to stabbing four University of Idaho students to death and waived his right to appeal, is now seeking post-conviction relief by claiming his plea was false.
    — Chadd Cripe. Produced with AI assistance, Idaho Statesman, 30 July 2026
  • On Friday, Tench was arrested on 99 felony charges, which include 33 counts of bid-rigging, 33 of first-degree forgery and 33 of filing false documents.
    — Caroline Silva, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Definition of false
Adjective
  • Last month’s board election was tainted by forged ballots, including one with a voter’s name misspelled.
    — Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026
  • She was additionally found guilty of insurance fraud for taking out a $100,000 insurance policy on her husband's life with his forged signature and for submitting a claim following his death.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 13 May 2026
Definition of forged

Browse Nearby Words

inauspiciousness
inauthentic
in a word
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inauthentic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/inauthentic. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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