Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Soft know-it-alls from the city and phonies of any stripe receive rough treatment in his shows, such as the llama farmer from California who gets thrown under a Montana cattle guard in “Yellowstone.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

Mr. Musk trashed Mr. Zuckerberg’s Instagram as a dwelling for fakers and phonies in a Wednesday evening post to Twitter.

From Washington Times • Jul. 6, 2023

Fans, press, patrons and phonies — the entirety, included.

From Los Angeles Times • May 20, 2023

CNN later debunked his claims, noting that “the ‘CNN Ukraine’ and ‘CNN Afghanistan’ accounts behind the tweets are both phonies that have been suspended by Twitter for violating its policy against impersonation.”

From New York Times • Jun. 7, 2022

Just as Holden Caulfield sees phonies everywhere, those same phonies can't recognize Eden's talent and they run him down.

From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos