self-deception
noun
self-de·cep·tion
ˌself-di-ˈsep-shən 
plural self-deceptions
: the act or an instance of deceiving oneself or the state of being deceived by oneself especially concerning one's true nature, feelings, etc.
the capacity for self-deception
Over time, [Henry] Marsh writes, many doctors start to internalize the stories they tell themselves about their superior judgment and skill. But the best, he adds, unlearn their self-deceptions, and come to accept their fallibility and learn from their mistakes.—
Jennifer Senior
Jennifer SeniorExamples of self-deception in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The key is to think of solutions while moving forward slowly, carefully and strategically rather than giving in to disappointment, loss or self-deception.
—Kyle Thomas, People.com, 15 June 2025
And that’s sort of one of the aspects the show is trying to explore is this idea of self-deception.
—Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Grading for equity amounts to willful and moralized deception, including self-deception.
—The Editors, National Review, 29 May 2025
None of these spring explorations of sisterly deceit and self-deception has been able to surpass Apple TV+’s Bad Sisters as the recent genre peak.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025
And they also kind of are all involved in a sort of an interior self-deception.
—Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
However: Pretense in foreign policy is not always the same thing as self-deception.
—Ross Douthat, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
The Substance, The Last Showgirl, and Maria go further, however, exemplifying how this lifelong pursuit of beauty is also an act of constant self-deception.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2025
Expect misunderstandings, self-deception or an overwhelming sense of confusion that could potentially leave you questioning your decisions and the motives of others.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
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.
Kyle Thomas, People.com, 15 June 2025
And that’s sort of one of the aspects the show is trying to explore is this idea of self-deception.
—Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025
Grading for equity amounts to willful and moralized deception, including self-deception.
—The Editors, National Review, 29 May 2025
None of these spring explorations of sisterly deceit and self-deception has been able to surpass Apple TV+’s Bad Sisters as the recent genre peak.
—Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 28 May 2025
And they also kind of are all involved in a sort of an interior self-deception.
—Mark Hughes, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
However: Pretense in foreign policy is not always the same thing as self-deception.
—Ross Douthat, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
The Substance, The Last Showgirl, and Maria go further, however, exemplifying how this lifelong pursuit of beauty is also an act of constant self-deception.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2025
Expect misunderstandings, self-deception or an overwhelming sense of confusion that could potentially leave you questioning your decisions and the motives of others.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Self-deception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-deception. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share