spurious

adjective

ˈspyu̇r-ē-əs How to pronounce spurious (audio)
Definition of spuriousnext
1
as in counterfeit
being such in appearance only and made or manufactured with the intention of committing fraud a spurious Picasso painting that wouldn't have fooled an art expert for a second

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in false
lacking in natural or spontaneous quality claimed that the governor's election-year enthusiasm for conservation was spurious, since he had cut funding for state parks

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3
as in illegitimate
born to a father and mother who are not married the spurious son of Charles II, the Duke of Monmouth would later mount a rebellion in a disastrous attempt to claim the throne

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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 spurious Now that same leader can be felled by an Instagram pile-on or a spurious Substack rumor, and is likelier to shy from the long, slow, gritty work of governance. — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 Though the top judge later clarified that his remarks related only to individuals with spurious degrees and not India’s youth in general, the remarks kicked up a social media storm—which fueled thousands of sign-ups on CJP’s website, taking even Dipke by surprise. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 May 2026 The most common objection is that tenants will game the system — filing spurious claims to pocket money or harass landlords. — Cole Hanson, Twin Cities, 10 May 2026 These efforts apparently relied on a mix of sock-puppet accounts across social media platforms, which promoted the spurious claims of vilifying websites. — Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spurious
Recent Examples of Synonyms for spurious
  1. counterfeit
  2. false
  3. illegitimate
  4. fake
  5. mock
  6. forged
  7. unnatural
  8. strained
Adjective
  • Families typically will have no way of knowing what materials are inside counterfeit products.
    — Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The murder case is based upon the legal theory that Batsukh knowingly introduced the danger to Wilson despite his knowledge that the pills were counterfeit and unsafe.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of counterfeit
Adjective
  • But to build a web of accusations based on false premises and the manipulation of reality in order to attack the Biennale and a film invited to compete is a petty and unacceptable act.
    — John Bleasdale, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
  • China’s aircraft engineers have warned that artificial intelligence could feed false data into military intelligence, potentially distorting the design and operation of advanced weapons.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of false
Adjective
  • Federal judges have quashed many of the subpoenas as illegitimate efforts to intimidate providers into ending care.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • But that’s forcing them to wrestle with the idea that any action taken by a party is illegitimate, anti-democratic rigging — something the other team can use to depress the base.
    — David Weigel, semafor.com, 22 July 2026
Definition of illegitimate
Adjective
  • The company behind a poll that Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass touted as showing her with a double-digit lead in the mayoral race said the survey was entirely fake and part of a social experiment.
    — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 18 Aug. 2026
  • There’s much more for fans of special effects to discover, from the practical snow used whenever feasible to the geysers of fake blood used to comedic effect.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of fake
Adjective
  • Featuring a slimming silhouette, this mock-neck sweater is polished enough for the office but can pull double duty as casual wear on the weekends.
    — Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Participants will tour city buildings, engage in mock activities and meet directly with department leaders from City Hall, Finance, Police, Fire and Public Works, the release said.
    — Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of mock
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
Adjective
  • The Jackson County District Attorney's office has previously said convening a grand jury does not mean there is any criminality and is standard procedure for most unnatural or suspicious deaths in the county.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
  • Decoteau was there, sipping his beautifully unnatural lemonade.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
Definition of unnatural
Adjective
  • That could present a challenge for Americans, who already report feeling financially strained amid elevated inflation.
    — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Vogel and Panettiere had a strained relationship before the actress’ death.
    — Daysia Tolentino, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of strained

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spur
spurious
spuriousness
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Cite this Entry

“Spurious.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/spurious. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of spurious for Spanish Speakers

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