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 At the end of their version of Cinderella, the tragic stepsisters cut off the backs of their heels to try to fit into the glass slipper; the prince only notices the deception when their stockings fill with blood. Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 3 Oct. 2025 Lightweight, portable, and convincing, the company’s models offer both deception and deterrence at relatively low cost. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025 The seven claimants – who include Elton John's husband David Furnish – accuse Associated Newspapers of activities such as hacking their voicemails, burglary, and obtaining their medical records by deception. Michael Holden, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025 Frauds, swindles, cons, scams, and deceptions — collectively known as hoaxes. Scott Neuman, NPR, 1 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deception
Noun
  • But her target isn’t the usual demon of deceit, Mahishasura.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 8 Oct. 2025
  • And with that comes deceit and manipulation.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 29 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • If convicted of bank fraud or making false statements, the penalties could include up to 30 years in prison and $1 million in fines for each count, the DOJ says.
    Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Oct. 2025
  • Anna Moneymaker | Getty Images A federal grand jury in Virginia last night indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 10 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And though all accusations of the Blue Jays' cheating are hearsay, the frequent references to the Astros indicate the lasting impact that scandal has had on the sport.
    Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025
  • People make close, intense bonds when stuck in the Big Brother house together, and Vince and Morgan’s dynamic crosses more lines with each passing day, emotional cheating threatening to tip into physical even as Vince continues to hopelessly cloak his feelings in flimsy analogies and code phrases.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 27 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Federico Marchetti, the Italian fashion entrepreneur, is a master of sprezzatura—the courtier’s art of cloaking ambition and cunning in an air of guileless nonchalance.
    John Seabrook, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
  • But Israeli cunning, buoyed by remarkable intelligence capabilities and precision targeting, has damaged the group.
    Sean Durns, The Washington Examiner, 26 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deception. Accessed 14 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deception

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!