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 Jackson says that in late March, a 70-year-old female resident was targeted by a major scam. — Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 8 Sep. 2026 Two South Florida men were sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a nearly $35 million health care scam after billing Medicare for thousands of orthotic braces sent to beneficiaries who did not need them. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026 In 2025, federal data shows, Americans lost more money to check fraud than to debit card or gift card scams. — Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 5 Sep. 2026 Be aware that the caller herself may not perpetrate the scam. — Abigail Van Buren, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam

Noun

The government also hasn't shown evidence of past fraud to justify the restrictions, the judges said.

— NICHOLAS RICCARDI, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2026
The breach could put affected consumers at risk of identity theft and fraud, particularly because driver's license information can be used to help verify your identity.

— Roxanne Downer, USA Today, 11 Sep. 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

At 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, Spann-Ford has been utilized in the offense as a key part of its run block scheme while helping to pave the way for outside runs.

— Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026
The Quebec duo’s face-concealing masks, geometrical hats and polka-dot fashion schemes might scream novelty, but its virtuosic, largely instrumental fare is the genuine article.

— Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of scheme

Browse Nearby Words

scaly

scam

scammer

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Style

“Scam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scam. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of scam

noun

Example Sentences

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