delude

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb delude differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of delude are beguile, deceive, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

When can beguile be used instead of delude?

The meanings of beguile and delude largely overlap; however, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is it sensible to use deceive instead of delude?

The words deceive and delude can be used in similar contexts, but deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

In what contexts can mislead take the place of delude?

While the synonyms mislead and delude are close in meaning, mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for delude
Verb
  • Even children who are online only in small doses likely see false or inaccurate information that might deceive them.
    Evan Orticio, Scientific American, 2 June 2025
  • In November, Dove pleaded guilty in Gaston County to a dozen felony charges related to illegally accessing police computer systems and helping someone deceive a polygraph test, The Gaston Gazette reported.
    Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 30 May 2025
Verb
  • Reyes was a nice spring training story, but the Yankees were fooled by meaningless February and March stats.
    Chris Kirschner, New York Times, 8 June 2025
  • But don't be fooled, as these texts are sophisticated scams designed to steal your personal information or money.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Geragos asked Jane about presents that Diddy lavished upon her, for example, seemingly to suggest that his gift-giving indicated a romantic relationship, not a ruse to trick her into kink.
    Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 11 June 2025
  • Phishing pages masquerade as banks, auction sites, and other sensitive sites, hoping to trick victims into logging in.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 June 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Delude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delude. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on delude

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