cheats; cheated; cheating
1
: to break a rule or law usually to gain an advantage at something
The players were accused of cheating.
I had to cheat in order to solve the puzzle.
—often + on or atShe was caught cheating on a test.
They cheated on their taxes.
He cheats at cards.
2
a
: to take something from (someone) by lying or breaking a rule
The store cheats its customers through false advertising.
—usually + out ofHe cheated [=tricked, swindled] the elderly couple out of their property.
I was cheated out of 20 dollars.
b
: to prevent (someone) from having something that he or she deserves or was expecting to get
They cheated him out of a fair deal.
—usually used in the phrase feel cheatedTourists felt cheated when they arrived and found out the cathedral was closed.
3
: to avoid (something bad, dangerous, etc.) by being clever or lucky
a heroin addict who has cheated death many times
They tried to cheat fate. [=they took a risk and hoped be lucky]
plural cheats
: a person who cheats
He's a liar and a cheat. [=cheater]
tax cheats
Cite this Entry
“Cheat.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/cheat. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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