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

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 deception In the first case, Balmer was charged with forgery—altering writing and theft by deception. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025 But the roles switch after the lie: Joel is desperate to reach Ellie, who can sense the deception. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 13 Apr. 2025 The Erosion Of Trust Through Inconsistent Words Many people associate the breakdown of trust with major betrayals like infidelity or deception. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 Warrantless search and seizure, deception, untrammeled use of force. Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deception
Noun
  • In Towards Zero, Rhys plays a troubled detective who tries to untangle a toxic web of jealousy, deceit and dysfunction.
    Brianne Tracy, People.com, 29 Apr. 2025
  • But today, finally, Santos has been held accountable for his years of fraud, deceit and theft.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 25 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The suspect was arrested in Florida in March on robbery and fraud charges, before being extradited to Louisiana, the news agency stated.
    Becca Longmire, People.com, 16 May 2025
  • UnitedHealth Group is under a Department of Justice criminal probe for possible criminal Medicare fraud related to its Medicare Advantage business, according to the Wall Street Journal.
    Medora Lee, USA Today, 16 May 2025
Noun
  • Neither his fearsome resolve nor his supreme cunning—which had enabled him to vanquish his rivals and spiritually crush his inner circle—was in evidence in 1941.
    Stephen Kotkin, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2017
  • Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deception. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deception

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