What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
spurious
Example
The company's spurious claims about their product's effectiveness were quickly debunked. [spurious: adjective]
Example
The politician's spurious arguments failed to convince the audience. [spurious: adjective]
fake
Example
The painting turned out to be a fake, not an original masterpiece. [fake: noun]
Example
She was wearing a fake designer watch that she bought online. [fake: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fake is more commonly used than spurious in everyday language. Fake is a versatile word that can be used in many different contexts, while spurious is less common and more formal.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between spurious and fake?
Spurious is a more formal word than fake, and is often used in academic or professional contexts. Fake is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.