double-dealing 1 of 2

Definition of double-dealingnext
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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

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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
Adjective
The notion of reputational damage is alien to someone whose image was long ago tarnished beyond repair by grifting, lying, bullying, and double-dealing. Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 19 Jan. 2026
Noun
For some of King’s followers, her double-dealing also is difficult to let go. Martha Ross, Mercury News, 28 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double-dealing
Adjective
  • All three Republican candidates apparently hired the same signature gathering firm to collect signatures, many of which appear to have been fraudulent.
    Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 2 July 2026
  • However, because agentic systems can execute actions independently, an error can become a severe operational failure, such as authorizing fraudulent transactions or deleting mission-critical databases.
    Barney Krishnan, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Taylor Walls recorded three hits while Chandler Simpson added a double and a single.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 2 July 2026
  • Resting options include double bunk beds in back and queen bed with bamboo mattress up front.
    Kris Millgate, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Adjective
  • Shadow fleet vessels disguise their identity and purpose through a broad range of deceptive activities, including spoofing their locations and destinations.
    Zita Ballinger Fletcher, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • The complaint alleged deceptive advertising and other misconduct.
    ABC News, ABC News, 29 June 2026
Noun
  • Guo was convicted of nine of 12 criminal charges during a seven-week trial that prosecutors said showcased his deception of thousands of investors in bogus deals that enabled Guo’s lavish lifestyle.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • By the time the deception was uncovered, the employee had authorized $25 million in transfers.
    Kevin Pierce, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Adjective
  • For millions of individuals and businesses who rely on professional preparers, the answer portends a frightening prospect if the return preparer is dishonest.
    Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
  • Her attorneys contend the defendants used the litigation to portray her as dishonest, intimidate potential witnesses, fuel a public relations campaign against her and drive up the cost of her legal defense.
    Adam Reiss, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • First was a Drug Enforcement Administration badge and ID with Horsch’s photo on it, but the ID was fake, and Horsch has never worked for the DEA, according to court documents.
    Danny Freeman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • This game preserves the difficulty of coming up with an elaborate, consistent false narrative on the spot, and the challenge of adapting that narrative on the fly when other players present convincing (and sometimes fake) counter-evidence.
    Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Adjective
  • The Italian-style grotto is a shady spot to visit on sunny days, with trees sheltering the pool and fountain.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 June 2026
  • This woodland native grows in USDA Zones 6-9 and is best suited to shadier areas of the landscape.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 24 June 2026
Noun
  • The original trial was found to be invalid due to fraud and deceit.
    USA Today, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • And with that comes deceit and manipulation.
    Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Double-dealing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double-dealing. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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