Synonym Chooser

How does the verb mislead differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mislead are beguile, deceive, and delude. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

When might beguile be a better fit than mislead?

In some situations, the words beguile and mislead are roughly equivalent. However, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When could deceive be used to replace mislead?

While in some cases nearly identical to mislead, 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 delude take the place of mislead?

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

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

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 mislead Prosecutors say the discrepancy further supports their claim that James knowingly misled the lender about how the property would be used. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2025 The result is an environment where misleading messages flourish and vulnerable people are too often misled. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 This is why lawsuits brought by fans who feel misled about who might play or the quality of officiating go nowhere. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2025 Beat reporters responded on X by saying Hegseth was misleading the public. Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mislead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mislead
Verb
  • In the decades that followed, Freeman, who died in 2025, assembled a vast array of literary fakes, collecting books whose content is deceiving in nature.
    Big Think, Big Think, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Experts have warned that such videos may go viral and deceive voters, potentially increasing voter distrust in the media and political system more generally.
    James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Do not let the dashing green velvet suit, the yellow leather gloves, the silk cravat or the pencil-thin mustache, a tonsorial touch that suggests the matinee idols of yesteryear, fool you.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 14 Oct. 2025
  • But don’t be fooled into thinking that’s the norm.
    Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Hackers often use look-alike domains to trick you into thinking the site is real.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Hackers are using the messaging app Telegram and fake websites that impersonate brands to trick users into installing the malware, which will masquerade as popular apps, including TikTok, YouTube, and Google Photos.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 10 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Mislead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mislead. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mislead

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