spurious

[spyoor-ee-uhs]

adjective

1. not genuine, authentic, or true; not from the claimed, pretended, or proper source; counterfeit.

   Synonyms: deceitful, meretricious, phony, feigned, mock, bogus, sham, false
   Antonyms: genuine

2. Biology.,  (of two or more parts, plants, etc.) having a similar appearance but a different structure.

3. of illegitimate birth; bastard.

spurious

/ ˈspjʊərɪəs /

adjective

1. not genuine or real

2. (of a plant part or organ) having the appearance of another part but differing from it in origin, development, or function; false

   a spurious fruit

3. (of radiation) produced at an undesired frequency by a transmitter, causing interference, etc

4. rare,  illegitimate

Other Word Forms

• spuriously adverb
• spuriousness noun
• nonspurious adjective
• nonspuriously adverb
• nonspuriousness noun
• unspurious adjective
• unspuriously adverb
• unspuriousness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spurious¹

1590–1600; < Latin spurius bastard, perhaps < Etruscan; -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of spurious¹

C17: from Latin spurius of illegitimate birth

Example Sentences

While QAnon's spurious narratives revolve around US figures, the theory has taken hold in some parts of Canada and the rest of the world.

From BBC

Brown considered the allegation spurious, and said it had no foundation in reality.

From BBC

International rights organizations, including Amnesty International, say the charges are spurious and politically motivated and that López is being denied the right to a fair trial.

From Los Angeles Times

The administration’s attacks on universities for spurious political reasons are affecting many research projects that would otherwise lead to treatments and cures for deadly diseases.

From Salon

The reports proved spurious, but Gordon still saw an emotional truth.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bogus 
• false 
• phony 
• specious