deceptive
adjective
de·cep·tive
di-ˈsep-tiv 
: tending or having power to cause someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid : tending or having power to deceive
a deceptive appearance
a pitcher with a deceptive windup
deceptively
adverb
deceptiveness
noun
Examples of deceptive in a Sentence
in his deceptive answer about the vehicle's history, the salesman said that the used car had never been hit by another car
a mail-order firm indicted for deceptive business practices
Recent Examples on the Web
Even without intentional misuse by bad actors, evaluations and studies highlight instances of deceptive and self-preserving behaviors emerging in advanced models, suggesting that AI may be developing strategies that conflict with human intent or oversight.
—
Yoshua Bengio, Time, 11 Dec. 2025
Around the same time, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway opened a statewide investigation into several kratom manufacturers and retailers — including Sanders’ companies — citing concerns about addiction and deceptive marketing.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 10 Dec. 2025
These cases allege deceptive marketing, claim denials and breach of contract.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025
Filed on behalf of the People of the State of California, the lawsuit seeks to stop deceptive marketing practices, secure restitution and civil penalties and require companies to take action to mitigate the harms caused by their products.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deceptive
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.
Yoshua Bengio, Time, 11 Dec. 2025
Around the same time, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway opened a statewide investigation into several kratom manufacturers and retailers — including Sanders’ companies — citing concerns about addiction and deceptive marketing.
—David Hudnall, Kansas City Star, 10 Dec. 2025
These cases allege deceptive marketing, claim denials and breach of contract.
—Alora Bopray, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025
Filed on behalf of the People of the State of California, the lawsuit seeks to stop deceptive marketing practices, secure restitution and civil penalties and require companies to take action to mitigate the harms caused by their products.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 4 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deceptive
Cite this Entry
“Deceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deceptive. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deceptive
adjective
de·cep·tive
di-ˈsep-tiv
: tending or having power to deceive : misleading
a deceptive appearance
deceptively
adverb
deceptiveness
noun
Legal Definition
deceptive
adjective
de·cep·tive
di-ˈsep-tiv
: tending or having capacity to deceive
deceptive trade practices
compare fraudulent, misleading
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share