noun a thing that is not what it is purported to be
verb to falsely present oneself as something; to pretend
Sham interventions are used in research studies to test the effectiveness of real treatments.
Sham marriages are marriages entered into for the purpose of circumventing immigration laws.
Sham surgeries are sometimes performed in clinical trials to compare the outcomes with actual surgeries.
Sham amateurism refers to athletes pretending to be amateurs while actually being professionals.
Sham products are fake or counterfeit items that are marketed as genuine.
In the world of literature, 'sham' may be used to describe a piece of writing that is fake or insincere in nature.
Psychologists may use the term 'sham' to refer to a placebo or fake treatment used in research studies to test the effectiveness of a real treatment.
Lawyers may use 'sham' to describe a fraudulent or deceptive act, such as a sham marriage or sham transaction.
In accounting, 'sham' may be used to describe a transaction or arrangement that is not genuine and is intended to deceive or manipulate financial statements.
Doctors may use 'sham' to refer to a fake medical treatment or procedure that is used in research studies to compare the effects of a real treatment.