Phrase guide

ring false

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To seem to be incorrect, or implausible.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • His excuse about his car breaking down again rings false to me.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: ring hollow

Antonyms: ring true

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: kuulostaa väärältä — to seem to be incorrect
  • French: sonner faux — to seem to be incorrect
  • Polish: brzmieć niewiarygodnie — to seem to be incorrect