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 Big Oil’s big deception has exacted a staggering toll. Jerry McNerney, Mercury News, 9 July 2025 The image symbolizes the concept of fake news and digital deception, illustrating the impact of misinformation in the digital... Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 July 2025 He’s got some deception to him and he’s got a good mid- to upper-90 mph fastball and good cutter. Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 29 June 2025 This deception couldn’t come at a worse time for America’s debt. Thomas Kahn, Chicago Tribune, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for deception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deception
Noun
  • In the 21st century, varying degrees of financial deceit — from the Enron accounting scandal to the devastating consequences of massive Ponzi schemes like the one run by Bernie Madoff — continue to impact people across the country.
    John Towfighi, CNN Money, 13 July 2025
  • Every fraudulent claim becomes part of the data used to set next year’s rates, creating a feedback loop where today’s deceit has the potential to become tomorrow’s financial burden.
    Paulina Wierzbicka, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • Southeast Asia has become a global epicenter of cyber scams, where high-tech fraud meets human trafficking.
    Sydney Lake, Fortune, 14 July 2025
  • Always Active These Cookies and SDKs are required for Service functionality, including security and fraud prevention, and to enable any purchasing capabilities.
    Dylan Butts, CNBC, 14 July 2025
Noun
  • The chief specimen here (played by MMA fighter Chi Lewis-Parry) is a massive beast whose brute strength is matched by his cunning.
    David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 18 June 2025
  • On the other end of the spectrum was the more docile Kelly who often felt conflicted when her morals clashed with the cunning needed to succeed in the game.
    Nick Caruso, TVLine, 27 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Deception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deception. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deception

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