double-dealing 1 of 2

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as in fraudulent
marked by, based on, or done by the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value double-dealing business practices that are being investigated by the state's attorney general

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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double-dealing

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun double-dealing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of double-dealing are deception, fraud, subterfuge, and trickery. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

When might deception be a better fit than double-dealing?

The meanings of deception and double-dealing largely overlap; however, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

When is fraud a more appropriate choice than double-dealing?

While in some cases nearly identical to double-dealing, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When could subterfuge be used to replace double-dealing?

The synonyms subterfuge and double-dealing are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When would trickery be a good substitute for double-dealing?

In some situations, the words trickery and double-dealing are roughly equivalent. However, 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 double-dealing
Noun
Or that double-dealing old ally who can still hunt? Mohammed Hanif, Time, 2 Sep. 2025 Making his Broadway debut, Burr is a cyclone as the fast-talking, double-dealing Dave Moss, who springs a plan to steal the leads on his unwilling accomplice, George Aaronow (McKean, drolly exasperated). Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 Mullen's righthand man, Roger Carlson (Jesse Plemons), was double-dealing with billionaire Robert Lyndon (Clark Gregg), who ultimately ordered a hit on him in Episode 4. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025 Through his double-dealing with the government, Carmine Falcone was Gotham’s top crime boss for over two decades, accruing massive wealth, political influence, and an elite status. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2024 Far from being some dastardly act of espionage and double-dealing, Cartwright made his fateful choice out of love. Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 While the Biden Administration seems to perceive Cambodia as an amenable partner, Manet is double-dealing Beijing and Washington. Sam Rainsy, TIME, 24 June 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double-dealing
Adjective
  • Jason Clarke is a force as Alex, whose booming charm hides fraudulent business dealings and a growing opioid addiction, while Arquette is Emmy-worthy as the long-suffering but demanding Maggie.
    EW Staff, Entertainment Weekly, 17 Oct. 2025
  • The analyst added that the fraudulent nature of the borrowers hints at a unique situation rather than an underlying systematic issue.
    Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Ohtani stroked a triple into the right field corner in his first at-bat Thursday and scored on Mookie Betts’ double.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 17 Oct. 2025
  • But creditors allege First Brands used the same invoice multiple times to access funds from private lenders that were unaware of the double dipping.
    Elisabeth Buchwald, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • State legislators and attorneys general should examine whether certain practices violate existing rules against unfair or deceptive trade practices.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025
  • Barrera plays Michelle, a deceptive character who will keep everyone guessing.
    Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 12 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Everything can be used as a tool for good and to build, or for bad and destruction and deception.
    Marc Malkin, Variety, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The question now is whether our ability to detect deception can evolve as fast as the tools that create it.
    Big Think, Big Think, 13 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Matthiessen, not without reason, portrays the Bureau as paranoid, dishonest, and in league with corporate interests.
    Maggie Doherty, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
  • For that incredibly dishonest assessment that actually did a disservice to the country, Obama is held up to widespread praise by Democrats and others, even winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2009.
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 11 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • In a world where fake medical implants, counterfeit microchips, and cloned devices can threaten lives, money, and security, proving that a physical object is truly genuine is a major challenge.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Oct. 2025
  • The Broncos also were successful on a fake punt in the fourth quarter.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • Trim low limbs on evergreen trees and shrubs to allow more sunlight in shady areas.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Riders will queue up in an expansive (and thankfully shady) warehouse structure that resembles garages seen in the films.
    Tom Tapp, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And with that comes deceit and manipulation.
    Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2025
  • The 2022 push for Measure B, which enabled this year’s approval of new city trash policies, was built on deceit about how much the fees would be.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Double-dealing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double-dealing. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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