Synonyms of deceive

deceive

verb

di-ˈsēv 

as in to fool

to cause to believe what is untrue

he went to great lengths to deceive his family about the nature of his new job at the mall

Synonyms & Similar Words

• fool
• trick
• mislead
• delude
• tease
• misinform
• misguide
• beguile
• hoodwink
• dupe
• bamboozle
• kid
• cheat
• sucker
• bluff
• hoax
• suck in
• sting
• cozen
• catch
• humbug
• gull
• con
• juggle
• burn
• spoof
• have
• take in
• have on
• snow
• gaff
• buffalo
• gammon
• string along
• hornswoggle
• snooker
• defraud
• fake out
• pull one's leg
• lead one up the garden path
• do a number on
• lead one down the garden path
• pull the wool over one's eyes
• swindle
• shortchange
• stick
• put on
• bleed
• fleece
• mulct
• diddle
• skin
• hustle
• chisel
• squeeze
• rook
• euchre
• flimflam

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• undeceive
• reveal
• expose
• uncover
• show up
• unmask
• disclose
• tell
• debunk
• divulge
• unveil
• disabuse
• uncloak
• disillusion
• disenchant

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

Recent Examples of deceive

Further, those who perpetrate such heinous acts not only deceive and fabricate the facts of the abuse but further attempt to victimize survivors by concealing assets and collectability. —Samantha Dos Santos, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2025

Jurors found Peters guilty in August for using someone else’s security badge to give an expert affiliated with My Pillow chief executive Mike Lindell access to the Mesa County election system and deceiving other officials about that person’s identity. —Colleen Slevin, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2025

Stribling tried to deceive officers by saying Bailei was shot in a robbery, The Detroit News reported. —Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025

Neglecting The Kitchen Sink Your sink may look spick-and-span, but looks can be deceiving. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2025