DECEIT Synonyms: 115 Similar and Opposite Words

deceit

noun

di-ˈsēt

Definition of deceit

as in deception

the inclination or practice of misleading others through lies or trickery a rise to power that was marked by treachery and deceit

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in deceitfulness

the tendency to tell lies she's completely free of deceit

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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 deceit The film chronicles the months of manipulation and deceit leading up to Parker committing the crime. — Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026 The shows tackle stories about murder, deceit, grief, familial estrangement, presidential assassinations, and complex mental health diagnoses — and all have found captive audiences on the streamer over the last year. — Katie Campione, Deadline, 28 May 2026 In each new place, Charlie pretends to be Layla, hoping to ensnare an unsuspecting Stanley into his web of deceit. — Nicole Briese, PEOPLE, 28 May 2026 Barragán brings a surprising depth and empathy to The Yahoo Boys, to the tin roofs and traffic jams of Lagos, the SIM cards and Apple IDs that buttress this edifice of deceit. — Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for deceit

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceit

Noun

Camouflage, concealment, and deception Protecting missile infrastructure also depends on preventing an adversary from developing an accurate target list.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
The snake charmer is, in effect, a stand-in for Gérôme, whose art relies on seduction and deception.

— Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Definition of deception

Noun

Antisocial personality includes a persistent pattern of traits such as callousness, lack of concern, deceitfulness, and irresponsibility, Ryan said.

— Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
Perfidy — from the French perfidie via the Latin perfidia — means deceitfulness, treachery or a breach of faith or promise.

— Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026

Definition of deceitfulness

Noun

Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.

— Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.

— Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025

Definition of deceptiveness

Noun

To leave the character at the center of his own story opaque, unknowable, a silhouette—would have been a different kind of dishonesty.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 July 2026
While a large number of respondents were concerned about AI bias, misinformation and data privacy, the most common worries were about academic dishonesty and plagiarism.

— Brett DeJager, The Conversation, 10 July 2026

Definition of dishonesty

Noun

The New York City Department of Investigation is the city’s independent watchdog agency, which investigates fraud, corruption, misconduct, municipal malfeasance, city employees, contractors, and individuals who do business with the city.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Created under the bipartisan Help America Vote Act to ensure fair, modern elections, the four-member commission now faces vacancies as the administration doubles down on its fraud-prevention agenda and appeals a court defeat.

— Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026

Definition of fraud

Noun

Despite multiple requests from test takers and lawmakers, the DMV has not provided any details about the nature of the alleged cheating, and some of those who must take the test over feel like they’ve been unfairly accused.

— Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
But that successful act of cheating is central to Maradona’s legend, as is his defiance in the aftermath.

— Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026

Definition of cheating

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deceit

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“Deceit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deceit. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deceit

noun

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