Imitation
Imitation noun - Something that is made to look exactly like something else.
Usage example: challenged me to tell the real roses from the silk imitations
Phony is a synonym for imitation in counterfeit topic. In some cases you can use "Phony" instead the word "Imitation" as a noun or an adjective, when it comes to topics like fake, false, simulation, anything forged.
Phony
Phony adjective - Being such in appearance only and made or manufactured with the intention of committing fraud.
Usage example: a phony watch with a designer logo
Imitation is a synonym for phony in fake topic. You can use "Imitation" instead the word "Phony" as a noun or an adjective, if it concerns topics such as counterfeit, anything forged.
Mutual synonyms
Cite this Source
Phony and Imitation. (2016). Retrieved 2026, August 16, from https://thesaurus.plus/related/imitation/phony
Imitation & Phony. N.p., 2016. Web. 16 Aug. 2026. <https://thesaurus.plus/related/imitation/phony>.
Phony or Imitation. 2016. Accessed August 16, 2026. https://thesaurus.plus/related/imitation/phony.
Google Ngram Viewer shows how "imitation" and "phony" have occurred on timeline