deceive 1 of 3

Definition of deceivenext

deceiving

2 of 3

adjective

deceiving

3 of 3

verb (2)

present participle of 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
Verb
This is driving state and non-state actors to apply age-old principles of war to GPS systems to confuse and deceive opponents. Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Some people in Israel say Netanyahu, in a way, deceived Trump. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 22 June 2026
Adjective
In our experience, these mid-sized sets can be very deceiving. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 19 Dec. 2025 Few things in life are more deceiving than a Week 1 game, especially those played in a rainstorm on the other side of an ocean. Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
Verb
But O’Malley writes that this is deceiving. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 9 June 2026 He was also accused of deceiving escrow agents to secure the release of pre-construction condo deposits and then misappropriated those funds for personal expenses unrelated to the developments. Jay Weaver june 6, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deceive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceive
Verb
  • Don’t be fooled by their jaw-dropping price; the flats boast a luxe look thanks to their low profile and—of course—glove silhouette.
    Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 July 2026
  • The fluffy blooms on mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin) look pretty in pink, but don’t be fooled by their dainty appearance.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Ricky Saints tricked the referee into thinking Lil Yachty used the kendo stick on him, and after traveling all the way to Riyadh, Yachty was tossed out just minutes into the match.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 27 June 2026
  • Use a password manager so fake sites do not trick you into reusing passwords.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Federal prosecutors alleged Holmes knowingly misrepresented the capabilities of Theranos technology and misled investors about the company's financial condition, partnerships, and laboratory capabilities.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • There will be concerts, but only certain artists need apply — most of those originally booked have already walked out, saying they were misled about the event’s political affiliations.
    Otis Moss III, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deceive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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