bogus

/ˈbəʊ.ɡəs/

Group 17Difficulty 1/3

Definition

(adjective)
Not genuine or true; fake
GRE

Example in Context

The regulator flagged several bogus health claims on the product's packaging, ordering an immediate recall from store shelves.

Synonyms

fakephonyfraudulent

Etymology

A term that originated from slang, referring to something false or not authentic.

  • bogus (American slang) — fake or counterfeit

Memory Aid

👻Sounds like “bo-gus”

Picture a ghost saying 'BOO, this is just BOGUS, I'm not real!'

Visual Association

🎭A magician pulling a fake rabbit out of a hat, revealing it’s just a stuffed toy.

Semantic Clusters

🎭 Deception & Trickery

Synonym Groups

⚖️ Truth vs Deception

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “bogus” mean on the GRE?

bogus (adjective) means “Not genuine or true; fake”. The regulator flagged several bogus health claims on the product's packaging, ordering an immediate recall from store shelves.

How to remember “bogus” for the GRE?

Mnemonic: “bogus” sounds like “bo-gus”. Picture a ghost saying 'BOO, this is just BOGUS, I'm not real!'

What are synonyms for “bogus”?

Common synonyms: fake, phony, fraudulent.