Sham

/ʃæm/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A thing that is not what it is purported to be; a false impression or a pretense.

The charity event turned out to be a sham, as the organizers pocketed the donations instead of helping those in need.

A trick or deception.

His promise to help was just a sham to avoid facing the real issue.

A fabric or covering made to look like something it is not.

The designer used a sham cover to give the couch a more luxurious appearance.

verb

To falsely present something as genuine; to trick or deceive.

They shammed their way into the exclusive club by using fake identities.

adjective

Not genuine; fraudulent.

The sham relationship was evident to everyone who knew them.

Originated in the late 19th century, from the slang term 'sham' meaning 'to feign or pretend'.

sham marriage

A marriage entered into for reasons other than love, often for legal status or financial gain.

sham company

A company that exists only on paper, used for fraudulent purposes.

sham debate

A debate that is not serious or genuine; typically staged.

pretense

An attempt to make something that is not the case appear true.

subterfuge

Deceit used in order to achieve one's goal.

charade

A ridiculous pretense intended to create a pleasant or respectable appearance.

A person who is not genuine.

He's such a sham; he pretends to be an activist but does nothing.

A situation that is fake or fabricated.

That party was a sham, nobody even showed up.