DECEPTION Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'deception' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deception are double-dealing , fraud , subterfuge , and trickery . While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource. // magicians are masters of deception

Q: Where would 'double-dealing' be a reasonable alternative to 'deception'?

In some situations, the words double-dealing and deception are roughly equivalent. However, double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude. // a go-between suspected of double-dealing

Q: When would 'fraud' be a good substitute for 'deception'?

While in some cases nearly identical to deception , fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice. // indicted for fraud

Q: When can 'subterfuge' be used instead of 'deception'?

Although the words subterfuge and deception have much in common, subterfuge suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end. // obtained the papers by subterfuge

Q: In what contexts can 'trickery' take the place of 'deception'?

The words trickery and deception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat. // resorted to trickery to gain their ends

deception

noun

di-ˈsep-shən

Definition of deception next

as in deceit

the inclination or practice of misleading others through lies or trickery a telemarketing company with a reputation for deception

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How does the noun deception differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deception are double-dealing, fraud, subterfuge, and trickery. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

Where would double-dealing be a reasonable alternative to deception?

In some situations, the words double-dealing and deception are roughly equivalent. However, double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

When would fraud be a good substitute for deception?

While in some cases nearly identical to deception, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When can subterfuge be used instead of deception?

Although the words subterfuge and deception have much in common, subterfuge suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end.

obtained the papers by subterfuge

In what contexts can trickery take the place of deception?

The words trickery and deception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat.

resorted to trickery to gain their ends

Examples 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 deception Unlike many of Trump’s legal actions against the press, which often allege defamation, this case alleges violations of the Iowa Consumer Fraud Act, which prohibits deception when advertising or selling merchandise. —

Brian Stelter, CNN, 17 Dec. 2024 But his story began to unravel almost immediately, revealing a long trail of deception, delusion and comic ineptitude. —

Clay Risen, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2024 In firing off nuclear threats, Putin is burnishing his role as a master of deception. —

Kevin Holden Platt, Forbes, 18 Dec. 2024 This is a game of deception after all, and everyone is in on it. —

Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 18 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deception

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deception

Noun

Lies, deceit, infidelity, and the shape-shifting nature of truth, Wilder’s Witness for the Prosecution is infinitely rewatchable.

Tomris Laffly, TIME, 20 Dec. 2024
This trait is also moderately linked to lower risk of personality disorders due to its association with prosocial behaviors and a low tendency toward deceit or exploitation.

Mark Travers, Forbes, 3 Dec. 2024