deceive

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deceive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deceive are beguile, delude, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," 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 beguile take the place of deceive?

Although the words beguile and deceive have much in common, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is delude a more appropriate choice than deceive?

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

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

When is it sensible to use mislead instead of deceive?

The words mislead and deceive can be used in similar contexts, but mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

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 deceive Predatory resellers - including Live Nation itself - should no longer be allowed to gouge and deceive fans under the guise of access to live music. Walden Green, Pitchfork, 19 Sep. 2025 The fragmentary Ni 12501 tablet from the Early Dynastic III period of Mesopotamia breaks off when Fox deceives the inhabitants of the netherworld in his quest to retrieve the storm god Ishkur. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025 But looks can be deceiving and this Aunt Gladys has some sinister motives. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 18 Sep. 2025 Topline The Federal Trade Commission and seven states filed a lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation on Thursday, accusing the ticket sellers of deceiving artists and consumers by allowing consumers to buy large numbers of tickets and resell them for much higher prices. Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deceive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceive
Verb
  • Prosecutors told the court the scheme had raised at least $650 million and called it a classic Ponzi structure that fooled even Horwitz’s closest friends.
    Christina Coulter, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Don’t let their elegant fancy-restaurant flavors fool you.
    Cathy Thomas, Oc Register, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • In other words, the top search results aren't always safe, and that's exactly how scammers trick people.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
  • But the content, murky and misleading, is designed to trick Californians into voting for a power grab.
    Laura Koval, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Trump’s executive order pushes broader federal payment reforms This year, the IRS also reported a surge in questionable refund claims fueled by misleading social media posts and fraudulent practices.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 27 Sep. 2025
  • Morpheus Research, which is betting Cucinelli’s stock will fall, issued a report alleging the company misled its shareholders and continues to operate stores in Moscow.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deceive. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deceive

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