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 Prosecutors say the discrepancy further supports their claim that James knowingly misled the lender about how the property would be used. Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2025 The result is an environment where misleading messages flourish and vulnerable people are too often misled. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 This is why lawsuits brought by fans who feel misled about who might play or the quality of officiating go nowhere. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 13 Oct. 2025 Beat reporters responded on X by saying Hegseth was misleading the public. Brian Stelter, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mislead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mislead
Verb
  • Despite being deceived, Stone, who dated Garfield for four years, conceded that the actor's dedication to the secret was honorable.
    Mekishana Pierre, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025
  • That’s 14 years of dreaming, dissolving, romanticizing, escaping, and sometimes deceiving ourselves.
    Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 19 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As Rolling Stone has previously reported, bogus images of classic rockers in hospitals or singing at the graves of other rockers have flooded the internet — fooling some fans in the process and provoking laughs in just as many.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Ultimately, the quarterback fooled the Raiders and proceeded to take the snap and get the Chiefs a first down.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Maybe not that play exactly, just the fact USC would try to trick Notre Dame because the Trojans weren’t going to beat them conventionally.
    Pete Sampson, New York Times, 19 Oct. 2025
  • Poor Rosemary is tricked by those closest to her through what is quite literally a hellish pregnancy, culminating in an unforgettable ending and an enduring performance from a wide-eyed Farrow.
    Steven Thrash, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mislead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mislead. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mislead

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