Synonyms of deception

deception

noun

di-ˈsep-shən 

as in deceit

the inclination or practice of misleading others through lies or trickery

a telemarketing company with a reputation for deception

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deceit
• deceptiveness
• fraud
• cheating
• deceitfulness
• cunning
• lying
• duplicity
• dishonesty
• fakery
• dissimulation
• double-dealing
• guile
• secrecy
• crookedness
• dissembling
• craftiness
• cozenage
• crookery
• cunningness
• dupery
• wiliness
• craft
• subterfuge
• trickery
• artifice
• fraudulence
• prevarication
• skullduggery
• chicanery
• mendacity
• hypocrisy
• foxiness
• skulduggery
• swindling
• equivocation
• guilefulness
• jugglery
• artfulness
• insincerity
• obliquity
• legerdemain
• fib
• untruth
• shrewdness
• hanky-panky
• deviousness
• falsehood
• underhandedness
• wile
• chicane
• mountebankery
• sneakiness
• covertness
• sanctimoniousness
• unscrupulousness
• shadiness
• furtiveness
• falsity
• slyness
• caginess
• shiftiness
• treacherousness
• stealthiness
• slipperiness
• smoothness
• cageyness
• two-facedness
• slickness
• oiliness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sincerity
• good faith
• artlessness
• openness
• forthrightness
• ingenuousness
• frankness
• candor
• directness
• honesty
• plainness
• guilelessness
• reliability
• trustworthiness
• probity
• integrity
• solidity
• dependability
• goodness
• truthfulness
• candidness
• righteousness
• plainspokenness
• decency
• uprightness
• incorruptibility
• trustability
• reliableness
• trustiness
• virtuousness

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun deception differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deception are double-dealing, fraud, subterfuge, and trickery. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

Where would double-dealing be a reasonable alternative to deception?

In some situations, the words double-dealing and deception are roughly equivalent. However, double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

When would fraud be a good substitute for deception?

While in some cases nearly identical to deception, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When can subterfuge be used instead of deception?

Although the words subterfuge and deception have much in common, subterfuge suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end.

obtained the papers by subterfuge

In what contexts can trickery take the place of deception?

The words trickery and deception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat.

resorted to trickery to gain their ends

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of deception

After discovering the candidate was accused of being a North Korean spy, Munju digs into his past, unlocking a Pandora’s box of deception, state secrets, and more. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 28 Aug. 2025

In tarot, the Seven of Swords often represents deception, betrayal or someone acting in secrecy, while The Lovers reversed can point to disharmony, conflict in relationships or choices made for the wrong reasons. —Valerie Mesa, People.com, 27 Aug. 2025

Though the prosecution and defense both recommended 45 days in jail, the judge sentenced Borgwardt to 89 days, citing the number of days his deception lasted. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 26 Aug. 2025

California, Minnesota, and Delaware are among the states that have filed cases against Big Oil around climate deception, though no case has gone to trial yet. —Simmone Shah, Time, 26 Aug. 2025