Synonym Chooser

How does the verb mislead differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mislead are beguile, deceive, and delude. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

When might beguile be a better fit than mislead?

In some situations, the words beguile and mislead are roughly equivalent. However, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When could deceive be used to replace mislead?

While in some cases nearly identical to mislead, deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

In what contexts can delude take the place of mislead?

While the synonyms delude and mislead are close in meaning, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

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 mislead Parents and alumni who raised concerns with the scope of this enforcement action were misled regarding the investigation. Wynn Smiley, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025 Tesla is facing a new scandal that once again sees the electric automaker accused of misleading customers. Jonathan M. Gitlin, ArsTechnica, 17 Apr. 2025 Andrew Caballero-Reynolds | AFP | Getty Images The New Jersey attorney general sued Discord on Thursday, alleging that the company misled consumers about child safety features on the gaming-centric social messaging app. Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 17 Apr. 2025 At the time, the fossil-fuel industry was under growing pressure as Democratic politicians urged the Justice Department to investigate whether ExxonMobil had misled the public about climate change. Michael Copley, NPR, 15 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mislead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mislead
Verb
  • Jurors found Peters guilty in August for using someone else’s security badge to give an expert affiliated with My Pillow chief executive Mike Lindell access to the Mesa County election system and deceiving other officials about that person’s identity.
    Colleen Slevin, Twin Cities, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Stribling tried to deceive officers by saying Bailei was shot in a robbery, The Detroit News reported.
    Mike Stunson, Kansas City Star, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That was probably a terrible decision, in fairness, but Meazza responded by faking a shot to fool a defender, then teed up Piola to score.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • While the towering shoes may seem intimidating, don’t let their large, often chunky heels fool you: PLatform shoes are among the most comfortable heels in any wardrobe.
    Nina Derwin, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Deceptive tactics trick users into providing biometric data unknowingly.
    Mohamed Lazzouni, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The light from screens can trick your brain into staying awake.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mislead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mislead. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mislead

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