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Definition of bogus

bogus

/ˈboʊ.ɡəs/
bo · gus
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bogus Lexical Profile

bogus Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Not genuine or true; fake, counterfeit, or fabricated with the intent to deceive.

Example

"The investigator quickly discovered that the suspect was traveling with a bogus passport."

2

North American Unfair, undesirable, or unsatisfactory (used informally).

Example

"Everyone agreed it was a pretty bogus rule that students could not use the library during lunch."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for bogus

• Nearby Words

bogland
bogota
bogue
bogus
bogusness
bohemia
bohemian

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the United States in 1827 as a noun meaning a machine used to mint counterfeit coins, possibly an alteration of 'tantrabobus', a dialectal term for a strange-looking device or bogeyman.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bogus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bogus
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