as in to deceive
to cause to believe what is untrue
I think we've been hornswoggled by that carnival barker
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hornswoggle
Verb
-
The Automated Ball-Strike System (ABS) that allows two challenges per team — losing them only when incorrect — at least holds the plate umpire accountable when his eyes deceive him.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
22 Mar. 2026 -
Svetlana Petriychuk wrote the play Finist, the Brave Falcon, based on real events, about Russian women deceived into marrying ISIS fighters and traveling to Syria.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Scammers are at it again, texting Americans, hoping to trick them into giving up financial information under the guise of paying parking or toll fees, officials in multiple states have said this month.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
20 Mar. 2026
-
From around January to June 2022, the couple tricked unknowing subordinates into adding fake vendors to the company's system, officials said.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
19 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Don't be fooled, Fraser's first Oberon kegs of the season still went to good use, with Oberon Day bringing in serious business.—
Jack Springgate,
CBS News,
23 Mar. 2026
-
In 2007, Google fooled the world with 'Google Paper,' a service that would print your emails and mail them to you.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
23 Mar. 2026
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.
Cite this Entry
“Hornswoggle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hornswoggle. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
