falsify

verb

fal·​si·​fy ˈfȯl-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce falsify (audio)
falsified; falsifying
Synonyms of falsifynext

transitive verb

1
: to prove or declare false : disprove
falsify a theory
2
: to make false: such as
a
: to make false by mutilation or addition
the accounts were falsified to conceal a theft
b
: to represent falsely : misrepresent
3
: to prove unsound by experience
falsify a promise

intransitive verb

: to tell lies : lie
falsifiability
ˌfȯl-sə-ˌfī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce falsify (audio)
noun
falsifiable
ˌfȯl-sə-ˈfī-ə-bəl How to pronounce falsify (audio)
adjective
falsification
ˌfȯl-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce falsify (audio)
noun
falsifier
ˈfȯl-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce falsify (audio)
noun

Synonyms of falsify

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Examples of falsify in a Sentence

He was caught falsifying financial accounts. taking that statement completely out of context essentially falsifies it, whether that's your intention or not
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
In 2024, Superior Court Judge Julie Mata found that Owens had falsified sonograms, altered medical records and lied under oath during the civil case. — Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Hudson also falsified financial statements with fake values in their bank accounts to try and get the franchise deal, according to federal prosecutors. — Irene Wright, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 The pair also hosted FaceTime calls, showing victims falsified investment gains and encouraged them to part with their money. — Tim Fang, CBS News, 27 Aug. 2026 The new legislation followed a Hearst investigation that found that 10 school systems in the state were employing armed security guards who falsified traffic citations, failed to report deadly pursuits or engaged in racial misconduct. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for falsify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English falsifien, from Middle French falsifier, from Medieval Latin falsificare, from Latin falsus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of falsify was in the 15th century

Rhymes for falsify

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Browse Nearby Words

falsifier
falsify
falsing
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Falsify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/falsify. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

falsify

verb
fal·​si·​fy ˈfȯl-sə-ˌfī How to pronounce falsify (audio)
falsified; falsifying
: to make false : change so as to deceive
falsify financial accounts
falsification
ˌfȯl-sə-fə-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce falsify (audio)
noun
falsifier
ˈfȯl-sə-ˌfī(-ə)r How to pronounce falsify (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

falsify

transitive verb
fal·​si·​fy ˈfȯl-si-ˌfī How to pronounce falsify (audio)
falsified; falsifying
: to make false: as
a
: to make (as a document) false by mutilation, alteration, or addition
the motel clerk had falsified the records—M. A. Kelly
b
: to report (as information) falsely
the informant falsified his testimony
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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