What is a synonym for 'specious'?

The term 'specious' refers to something that appears to be true, genuine, or plausible on the surface but is actually misleading or false. Therefore, a synonym that best captures this meaning is 'deceptive.' This word conveys the idea of something that may seem valid at first glance but lacks real substance or truth, aligning perfectly with 'specious.'

In contrast, the other choices do not reflect this nuance. 'Authentic' denotes something that is genuine and true, while 'clear' suggests transparency and easy understanding, attributes that are the opposite of what 'specious' implies. Lastly, 'true' signifies a correspondence with fact or reality, also standing in contrast to the misleading nature of 'specious.' Thus, 'deceptive' is the most fitting synonym, as it encapsulates the essence of misleading appearances associated with 'specious.'