as in fraud
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
that's just a scam to bilk insurance companies for staged accidents
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 scam
Asia’s enslaved cyber scam victims earn the distinction of having the worst year in Asia, with sadly far too little hope for escape and rescue in sight.
—
Curtis S. Chin and Jose B. Collazo, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2025
The new trash fee was just an old con-man, bait-and-switch scam.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Dec. 2025
The new fraud estimate comes after years of investigation that began with the Feeding Our Future scam, first announced in 2022 under the Biden administration, when 47 defendants were charged with allegedly pocketing $250 million of federal funds intended to feed children during the pandemic.
—Hannah Fingerhut, Twin Cities, 19 Dec. 2025
Marcos Jr has vowed to jail at least 37 congressmen and other officials responsible for the scams by Christmas, and seven have been thrown behind bars so far.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scam
Curtis S. Chin and Jose B. Collazo, CNBC, 24 Dec. 2025
The new trash fee was just an old con-man, bait-and-switch scam.
—U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Dec. 2025
The new fraud estimate comes after years of investigation that began with the Feeding Our Future scam, first announced in 2022 under the Biden administration, when 47 defendants were charged with allegedly pocketing $250 million of federal funds intended to feed children during the pandemic.
—Hannah Fingerhut, Twin Cities, 19 Dec. 2025
Marcos Jr has vowed to jail at least 37 congressmen and other officials responsible for the scams by Christmas, and seven have been thrown behind bars so far.
—Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam
Noun
-
The president and his allies accused Cook of mortgage fraud.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
12 Jan. 2026
-
At the same briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt came out swinging at Minnesota Democrats in defense of the ICE agent while touting the Medicaid fraud investigation, which dates back to the Biden administration.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
11 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
From her minimum security lockup, she’s begun mounting her own social media blitz in a seeming attempt to win Trump’s favor and get sprung from prison and freed from accountability for her epic swindle.—
Mark Z. Barabak,
Mercury News,
10 Dec. 2025
-
While Yusuf was found guilty of six counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle (over $35,000) in August by a jury, the decision was overturned by Judge Sarah West in November, according to KARE.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
1 Dec. 2025
Noun
-
Trump has instead engaged in a clumsy cover-up, insisting that the files are both a fantastical hoax devised by his enemies and also too boring to even merit discussion.—
Jonathan Chait,
The Atlantic,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Trump has called the affordability argument from Democrats a Democratic hoax.—
Dana Taylor,
USA Today,
5 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Paul was the song-and-dance man, but with a con.—
Lili Anolik,
Vanity Fair,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Like other rugged beasts, this one is a chunky monkey – but as someone who now uses a rugged handset regularly, this con doesn't outweigh the numerous pros.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Sammis runs a pro-style scheme that prioritizes a strong run game and being efficient with the passing attack.—
Steven Johnson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
12 Jan. 2026
-
Williamson, Newsom’s former chief of staff, pleaded not guilty in November in a scheme to enrich her friend Sean McCluskie, a longtime deputy to former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, using money funneled from one of Becerra’s dormant campaign accounts.—
Nicole Nixon,
Sacbee.com,
11 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scam. Accessed 17 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
