scam

noun

ˈskam How to pronounce scam (audio)
Definition of scamnext
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 Hackers can then use that data to try to steal your identity through phishing attempts, imposter scams or other means. — Evan Zimmer, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026 Arntz also warned, however, that not all versions of the scam that have come to the attention of Malwarebytes have followed the same attack flow as described earlier in this article. — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 All of this was done over the past six months, while the scam was kept secret from the public. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026 Supporters also created an OnlyMarms memecoin, which Blumstein initially assumed was a scam. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam
  1. fraud
  2. swindle
  3. hoax
  4. con
  5. scheme
Noun
  • An extraditable arrest warrant was obtained on charges of first-degree identity theft, second-degree money laundering, first-degree larceny, criminal impersonation and second-degree telephone fraud.
    — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 7 Aug. 2026
  • But even some of the grants slated to fund more traditional human rights projects skirt federal requirements for competitive bidding that are meant to deter waste, fraud and abuse.
    — Anna Maria Barry-Jester, ProPublica, 7 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
  • The first was the 2008 bomb threat hoax, which piqued investigators’ suspicions but resulted in no charges against Perales.
    — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 July 2026
  • Jones spent years claiming the shooting was a hoax, and that the families were lying about their dead children.
    — Joseph Konig, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
Definition of hoax
Noun
  • Let’s go over a few scenarios and the pros and cons that come with each.
    — Peter Baugh, New York Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • North in Boise, to learn the pros and cons of purchasing a new construction versus an existing home.
    — Better Homes & Gardens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of con
Noun
  • New lighting and wall labels, redesigned layouts, and the introduction of new services are all aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, while the Uffizi will protect its treasures through improved conservation and security schemes.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Taylor Farms alleges that Brian Thune confessed to the scheme in a March 16 phone call with company officials and again confessed and apologized for his actions in an April 8 voicemail to Taylor Farms Chief Executive Officer Bruce Taylor.
    — James Powel, USA Today, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of scheme

Browse Nearby Words

scaly
scam
scammer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scam. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on scam

Nglish: Translation of scam for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of anecdote

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?
See More

Popular

See More

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
fridge-magnet-letters
Drop a Letter Quiz August 2026 Drop a letter from a word to make a totally diffe...
See All