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 But looks can be deceiving, and people might have been wrong about what kind of rodent made the now-famous imprint. Julia Gomez, USA Today, 16 Oct. 2025 But an apple tree can be deceiving. Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 14 Oct. 2025 In the decades that followed, Freeman, who died in 2025, assembled a vast array of literary fakes, collecting books whose content is deceiving in nature. Big Think, 13 Oct. 2025 Experts have warned that such videos may go viral and deceive voters, potentially increasing voter distrust in the media and political system more generally. James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deceive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceive
Verb
  • As Rolling Stone has previously reported, bogus images of classic rockers in hospitals or singing at the graves of other rockers have flooded the internet — fooling some fans in the process and provoking laughs in just as many.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Ultimately, the quarterback fooled the Raiders and proceeded to take the snap and get the Chiefs a first down.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Maybe not that play exactly, just the fact USC would try to trick Notre Dame because the Trojans weren’t going to beat them conventionally.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Poor Rosemary is tricked by those closest to her through what is quite literally a hellish pregnancy, culminating in an unforgettable ending and an enduring performance from a wide-eyed Farrow.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In a statement to The New York Times, a spokesperson for Vance, William Martin, said Newsom is misleading the public about the safety risk.
    Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Senator Murphy said the incident is part of a pattern of behavior from DHS wherein the agency publishes misleading information in an attempt to justify violent incidents.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 18 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deceive. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deceive

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