sham
/ˈʃæm/
a thing that is not what it is purported to be
sham in a sentence
“The entire trial was a sham designed to convict him.”
Origin of sham
Origin uncertain, possibly dialectal English sham trick or related to shame
Related Words
facade
an outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant reality
prevaricate
to speak or act in an evasive way; to lie or mislead
equivocate
to use ambiguous language to conceal the truth or avoid commitment
dissemble
to conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs
fabricate
to invent or concoct something, typically with deceitful intent
mendacious
not telling the truth; lying