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 Older adults are particularly vulnerable to identity theft and other scams and are often advised to ignore junk mail and calls from telemarketers. — Susan Jaffe, NPR, 6 July 2026 The Federal Trade Commission continues to warn consumers about romance scams, which often follow a predictable pattern. — Matthew Kayser updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026 There is no industry-standard pricing for tax relief, which is one reason why taxpayers can sometimes fall victim to overpriced or dishonest tax relief scams. — Nick Perry, USA Today, 6 July 2026 This helps the platform track scams that impersonate its brand. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for scam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam

Noun

The New York City Department of Investigation is the city’s independent watchdog agency, which investigates fraud, corruption, misconduct, municipal malfeasance, city employees, contractors, and individuals who do business with the city.

— Gloria Pazmino, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Created under the bipartisan Help America Vote Act to ensure fair, modern elections, the four-member commission now faces vacancies as the administration doubles down on its fraud-prevention agenda and appeals a court defeat.

— Bill Barrow, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 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

There is some speculation that the coup was a hoax, however, as Roy Bates was later represented in court by one of Sealand’s Dutch occupiers.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 June 2026
Another of WKNA‘s articles even uses a screenshot that was first posted to r/poisonai that shows Google’s AI Overview correctly asserting that reports of Vance’s death are a hoax.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 25 June 2026

Definition of hoax

Noun

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller also spoke on Monday and reiterated the central bank's commitment to its 2% inflation target, while noting the pros and cons of forward guidance.

— Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 7 July 2026
The frustration seems to be directed towards people who reacted as expected, instead of a con.

— Zach Dean OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

Definition of con

Browse Nearby Words

scaly

scam

scammer

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“Scam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scam. Accessed 11 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of scam

noun

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