DELUDED Synonyms: 91 Similar and Opposite Words

deluded 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of deluded

as in erroneous

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Dissimilar Words

deluded

2 of 2

verb

past tense of delude

as in deceived

to cause to believe what is untrue we deluded ourselves into thinking that the ice cream wouldn't affect our diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 deluded

Adjective

Rather than a cruel Hedda, a fragile Hedda, a tragically deluded Hedda, Adele saw a woman who was comically at her wits’ end. — Jonathan Franzen, New Yorker, 1 June 2026 In Joe Mantello’s staggering new production of Arthur Miller’s 1949 American tragedy, self-deluded everyman Willy Loman (Lane) gets lost in the funhouse mirror of his life, haunted by the squandered potential of both him and his son, Biff (the revelatory Christopher Abbott). — Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 3 May 2026

Verb

Instead, Weinstein told the jury, Nick Kassotis had been duped and deluded by the mysterious figure Jim McIntyre. — Erin Moriarty, CBS News, 8 Mar. 2026 Atheists wrote that my father deluded himself. — Literary Hub, 15 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deluded

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deluded

Adjective

For example, antiquarian scholars introduced the erroneous notion that druids built stone circles—most notably Stonehenge—for their ceremonies, an idea that became embedded in the popular imagination during the 18th century.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
The erroneous reports prompted Katsina United to release another statement confirming Ozor’s death.

— Adam England, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of erroneous

Verb

Now some say the operation has left them feeling deceived and questioning whether the White House considered their safety.

— Scott Nover, Washington Post, 15 Aug. 2026
White House pool reporters deceived Advertisement McDonald pushed back on the idea that Air Force One and the people still aboard it, including journalists, were left exposed.

— Philip Wang, Time, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of deceived

Adjective

During more than 2,600 test interactions, researchers found inaccurate answers, weak sources, and serious safety failures.

— Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
That is inaccurate, not what the investigation covers, and viral posts on X are misleading people either through incompetence or purposefully misleading information.

— Ian Miller OutKick, FOXNews.com, 21 Aug. 2026

Definition of inaccurate

Verb

No case illustrates the ease with which they are fooled like the confirmation of Todd Blanche as attorney general.

— David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026
Ultimately, Marissa is a devoted mom who had nothing to do with her son’s disappearance and who was fooled by her own husband.

— Katie Campione, Deadline, 17 Aug. 2026

Definition of fooled

Adjective

Findings in news reports indicated both claims appeared to be untrue.

— Sylvia Hui, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026
The fact that this was untrue—Holmes had dyed his hair red, but not for that reason—did little to dispel the rumor, which seemed to fit the popular belief that violent, dystopian art has the power to induce some viewers to commit terrible crimes.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026

Definition of untrue

Verb

In the past couple of years, deepfakes have already tricked large firms like Arup into wiring $25 million to scammers.

— Allyson Kapin, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026
In September 2025, a judge dismissed the lawsuit, noting that consumers could still enjoy the treats even if they felt tricked by the wrappers.

— Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of tricked

Adjective

That’s no problem for them, because the failures occur years after the discussions, minimizing the political risk to those who voted for these misguided plans.

— Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 19 Aug. 2026
Treating the employment relationship as static is as misguided as treating any long-term relationship as fixed.

— Susan LaMotte, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of misguided

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“Deluded.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deluded. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of deluded

adjective

verb

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