DECEIVE Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'deceive' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deceive are beguile , delude , and mislead . While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness. // tried to deceive me about the cost

Q: In what contexts can 'beguile' take the place of 'deceive'?

Although the words beguile and deceive have much in common, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving. // was beguiled by false promises

Q: When is 'delude' a more appropriate choice than 'deceive'?

While the synonyms delude and deceive are close in meaning, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth. // we were deluded into thinking we were safe

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mislead' instead of 'deceive'?

The words mislead and deceive can be used in similar contexts, but mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional. // I was misled by the confusing sign

deceive

verb

di-ˈsēv

Definition of deceive next

as in to fool

to cause to believe what is untrue he went to great lengths to deceive his family about the nature of his new job at the mall

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb deceive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deceive are beguile, delude, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

In what contexts can beguile take the place of deceive?

Although the words beguile and deceive have much in common, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is delude a more appropriate choice than deceive?

While the synonyms delude and deceive are close in meaning, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

When is it sensible to use mislead instead of deceive?

The words mislead and deceive can be used in similar contexts, but mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of deceive Prosecutors said the counterfeit security seals are used to deceive customs officials and were also shipped to the U.S. from China. —

Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 28 Jan. 2025 Money problems often lead to people making bad choices, deceiving one's partner (intentionally or not) being a common example. —

Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025 The plaintiffs argued the energy companies deceived the public about the effects of fossil fuels on the environment and were in part responsible for the damage incurred by climate catastrophes, such as flooding and sea level rise. —

Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 27 Jan. 2025 Today’s attackers have access to so much information that can be plugged into generative AI tools, enabling them to produce convincing outputs that mimic genuine interactions and increase their chances at deceiving their victims. —

Mike Britton, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for deceive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceive

Verb

Don’t be fooled by its cheery name: Happy Face looks haunting.

— Claire Franken, TVLine, 27 Jan. 2025
In other words, an attacker would need to fool all or nearly all nodes to remain hidden—which quickly becomes infeasible as more light nodes join.

— Ayush Gupta, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025