delude

verb

di-ˈlüd How to pronounce delude (audio)
Definition of deludenext
as in to deceive
to cause to believe what is untrue we deluded ourselves into thinking that the ice cream wouldn't affect our diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb delude differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of delude are beguile, deceive, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

When can beguile be used instead of delude?

The meanings of beguile and delude largely overlap; however, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is it sensible to use deceive instead of delude?

The words deceive and delude can be used in similar contexts, but 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 mislead take the place of delude?

While the synonyms mislead and delude are close in meaning, mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for delude
  1. deceive
  2. fool
  3. trick
Verb
  • Any clinic that is promising instant, full growth in a few weeks is deceiving you.
    — Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Holding a lot of cash in the bank may feel like the absolute most comfortable option, but don’t be deceived.
    — Eric Roberge, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of deceive
Verb
  • Don't let anyone fool you into abandoning the single most effective social program in our nation's history.
    — John T. Harvey, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Likely draft position: Early-mid rounds Cam Miller, QB, North Dakota State: Don’t be fooled by Miller spending five years at the FCS level.
    — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Mar. 2025
Definition of fool
Verb
  • The Big Cat turned the tables on all those trolls for April Fool's Day and tricked plenty of them.
    — Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • For example, Russian operatives reportedly tricked Ukrainian troops into giving access to their Signal accounts.
    — Frederick Scholl, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of trick
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Delphic
delude
deluded
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Cite this Entry

“Delude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delude. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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