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Sham - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A sham is something false or deceptive, pretending to be genuine. It can refer to a fake object, a dishonest act, or insincere behavior meant to mislead others.

sham

/ʃæm/ /ʃæm/

Definition:

A false or deceptive act, pretense, or imitation.

Synonyms:

fake, fraud, hoax, imposture, counterfeit

Part of Speech:

noun, verb, adjective

Antonyms:

genuine, real

Common Collocations:

sham marriage, sham trial, sham democracy

Derivatives:

shammed, shamming, shams

Usage Tips:

Use "sham" to describe something deliberately fake or misleading in nature.

Common Phrases:

sham election, put up a sham, sham of justice

Etymology:

Originated from 17th-century English; possibly derived from "shame," influenced by "shameless."

Examples:

  • 1. The politician’s apology was a sham to save face.
  • 2. She saw through his sham kindness immediately.
  • 3. The company staged a sham charity event for publicity.
  • 4. Don’t be fooled by their sham promises.

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