Definitions

1. noun

a fake or artificial thing, especially one that is intended to deceive or cheat

“The charity’s website was a sham, collecting donations for a cause that didn’t exist.”

2. verb

to make or pretend to be something that is not genuine or real

“He was shamming a smile, but I could see the sadness in his eyes.”

3. adjective

fake or artificial, often in a way that is intended to deceive

“The sham marriage was a ruse to obtain a visa.”

4. noun

a false or misleading claim or statement

“The politician’s statement was a sham, and he was eventually caught in a lie.”