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 Mike Stanhope, the managing director of strategic data consultants Carruthers and Jackson, told The Guardian that Meta should be more transparent about the design of its AI so that users can know if the chatbot is designed to rely on deception to reduce user friction. ArsTechnica, 20 June 2025 The Peacock game show pits reality TV royalty (with a few athletes, politicians, and miscellaneous celebrities) against each other in a battle of wits and deception. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 13 June 2025 These were preceded by an extensive bombing campaign to damage German defenses, as well as the employment of deception tactics. Operation Bodyguard was an umbrella term for the deception strategy leading up to the Allies’ invasion of Europe in June 1944. Catherine Nicholls, CNN Money, 5 June 2025 While this kind of deception is already possible manually, AI agents can scale it rapidly, increasing both the risk and potential volume of fraud. Aleksandra Bal, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for deception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deception
Noun
  • But the level of deceit of this entire plan is mind-boggling.
    Inga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 June 2025
  • The defense’s case largely rests on accusations that the investigation into O’Keefe’s death was mired by deceit, incompetence and bias.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • The government push comes despite a Senate probe in May that revealed the labor program was fraught with problems including the commercial exploitation of job seekers, fraud, and poor working conditions overseas.
    Martin K.N Siele, semafor.com, 20 June 2025
  • The truth is that almost all the fraud, waste and abuse in the health care system comes from the billing and payment processes and skyrocketing prices, not from people who rely on Medicaid for essential care.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 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 1 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deception

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