Thesaurus results for SCAM

scam

noun

ˈskam

Definition of scam

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

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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 scam The campaign has also highlighted the solidarity of Estonia’s art community, with artists rallying around an institution facing an unusually severe financial crisis caused by the scam. — George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 The last few weeks of summer are here, and with many people planning last-minute trips before fall officially starts, safety experts are advising travelers to be cautious of common scams. — Vince Basada, Sacbee.com, 24 Aug. 2026 This card skimming scam is especially serious for people who rely on Electronic Benefit Transfer, or EBT, cards. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Unfortunately, payment scams aren’t the only ways scammers might try to get your personal details. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam

Noun

Colorado has no shortage of important legal priorities, from protecting consumers against fraud to addressing the complex issues facing families and businesses across the state.

— Robin Rossenfeld, Denver Post, 28 Aug. 2026
So far, only one conviction has come out of the sweeping fraud investigation of Loretto’s former executives.

— Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of fraud

Noun

In a case pending in federal court in Oakland, California, three Facebook users allege that the company profits from online swindles at the expense of users.

— David Ingram, NBC news, 12 May 2026
Supporting characters add to the plot, as Chance needs help from his former crew, most of whom have gone straight but can’t resist the lure of the swindle.

— Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026

Definition of swindle

Noun

Wheatland police later described the incident as a hoax and said the department and Yuba County Sheriff’s Office were investigating its source.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 19 Aug. 2026
While Locke failed in that regard, his articles live on as one of the most famous media hoaxes.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of hoax

Noun

McNeal added that his second year in the offense has given him more confidence in the scheme and motivated him to get stronger to contribute in the run game.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
While Simmons’ offensive scheme helped unlock FIU’s ground game last season, quarterbacks Keyone Jenkins and Joe Pesansky combined for 13 interceptions.

— Alejandro Hernandez, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of scheme

Browse Nearby Words

scaly

scam

scammer

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Scam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scam. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of scam

noun

Example Sentences

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