DELUDE Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

delude

verb

di-ˈlüd

Definition of delude next

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

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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

Verb

Minor leaguers and players trying to make the club out of spring can put up gaudy (deceiving) numbers against dubious competition.

— Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2025
The viewer may feel deceived for a moment, but most people know that trash talk is par for the course among sports fandoms.

— Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 10 Feb. 2025

Definition of deceive

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.

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“Delude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delude. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

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Last Updated: 19 Feb 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of delude

verb

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