A "trumped-up charge" is a false or exaggerated accusation made against someone. Often used in legal contexts, it refers to when a person is falsely charged with a crime. When looking for synonyms for this phrase, some possible options include spurious, bogus, contrived, fabricated, baseless, groundless, unsubstantiated, frivolous, and unfounded charges. These words all suggest an unjust accusation that lacks evidence or validity. In some cases, these charges might be intentionally created to harm someone's reputation or to shift attention away from other issues. Using more precise language can help to communicate the severity of the accusation and the injustice done to the accused.