Synonyms of fraudulent
: characterized by, based on, or done by fraud : deceitful
fraudulent use of a credit card
fraudulent claims for unemployment compensationWall Street Journal
fraudulently adverb
fraudulentness noun

Examples of fraudulent in a Sentence

Corrupt leaders were chosen in a fraudulent election. fraudulent use of a credit card the victim of a fraudulent scheme
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.
Not every fraudulent activity requires the same response, and not every customer should face the same level of scrutiny. Sandy Anderson, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026 The measure passed Sunday would add a $25,000 penalty for attorneys that file cases in bad faith and require the attorney general to investigate reports of fraudulent claims in Los Angeles County. Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 31 Aug. 2026 The study was found to be fraudulent; eventually, it was retracted entirely. Ruby Cramer, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Barraza said Lozano’s clients are at risk of being deported if their visa applications were fraudulent. Itzel Luna, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fraudulent

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fraudulent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fraudulent. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

fraudulent

adjective
: based on or done by fraud
fraudulently adverb
fraudulentness noun

Legal Definition

fraudulent

adjective
fraud·​u·​lent
: characterized by, based on, or done by fraud compare deceptive, false, misleading
fraudulently adverb
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