duplicity

noun

du̇-ˈpli-sə-tē How to pronounce duplicity (audio)
Definition of duplicitynext
as in deception
the inclination or practice of misleading others through lies or trickery we were lucky not to be taken in by his duplicity

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 duplicity Yun-ji’s public confession reveals Chang-ho’s duplicity and allows Noori a chance to shine on its own. — Kayti Burt, Time, 29 May 2026 Colbert excelled at distilling the spin and duplicity of politics into memorable soundbites. — Sophia A. McClennen, The Conversation, 19 May 2026 Diplomacy and the pragmatic duplicity that sometimes accompanies it are ingrained at every level of Iran’s political class. — Nic Robertson, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026 Ben reports on the crypto industry, a sector where the lines between reality, hope, and duplicity can blur in strange ways. — Alexei Oreskovic, Fortune, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for duplicity
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duplicity
  1. deception
  2. deceit
  3. deceptiveness
  4. fraud
  5. deceitfulness
  6. cheating
  7. cunning
Noun
  • Camouflage, concealment, and deception Protecting missile infrastructure also depends on preventing an adversary from developing an accurate target list.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
  • The snake charmer is, in effect, a stand-in for Gérôme, whose art relies on seduction and deception.
    — Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • The one where a man, his mother, and his entire army are slaughtered by deceit?
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 16 July 2026
  • The two chief executives are just a few months removed from a lawsuit in which Musk, one of the founders of OpenAI, accused Altman of deceit and breach of contract by shifting the company from its nonprofit mission to a for-profit enterprise.
    — Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
Definition of deceit
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    — Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • Made false claims of massive fraud of millions of undocumented people voting.
    — Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
  • The consignor was later identified as an accomplice in a separate auction fraud case in Hebei province.
    — Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of fraud
Noun
  • Antisocial personality includes a persistent pattern of traits such as callousness, lack of concern, deceitfulness, and irresponsibility, Ryan said.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Perfidy — from the French perfidie via the Latin perfidia — means deceitfulness, treachery or a breach of faith or promise.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Definition of deceitfulness
Noun
  • Despite multiple requests from test takers and lawmakers, the DMV has not provided any details about the nature of the alleged cheating, and some of those who must take the test over feel like they’ve been unfairly accused.
    — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 16 July 2026
  • But that successful act of cheating is central to Maradona’s legend, as is his defiance in the aftermath.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 16 July 2026
Definition of cheating
Noun
  • Honest Abe is forced to scheme, relying on grit and cunning to win the votes to abolish slavery.
    — Kevin P. Sullivan, Entertainment Weekly, 26 June 2026
  • Unable to outrun the Bitchfist, the Hand earns his reputation for cunning and courage.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Definition of cunning

Browse Nearby Words

duplicitous
duplicity
durabilities
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Cite this Entry

“Duplicity.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duplicity. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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