sham

/ʃæm/
🔵 Intermediate

Word Statistics

Difficulty LevelIntermediate

Standard vocabulary

Word FrequencyVery Common

Used frequently in everyday conversation

Syllables1

Simple pronunciation

Analysis:

  • Common vocabulary word
  • Simple pronunciation

noun

1. A fake; an imitation that purports to be genuine.

"The time-share deal was a sham."

2. Trickery, hoaxing.

"A con-man must be skilled in the arts of sham and deceit."

3. A false front, or removable ornamental covering.

4. A decorative cover for a pillow.

verb

1. To deceive, cheat, lie.

2. To obtrude by fraud or imposition.

3. To assume the manner and character of; to imitate; to ape; to feign.

adjective

1. Intended to deceive; false.

"It was only a sham wedding: they didn't care much for one another, but wanted their parents to stop hassling them."

2. Counterfeit; unreal

Synonyms

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