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 move is meant to counter return scams and reduce unusable inventory, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports. — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026 Sometimes, a real delivery driver is hired to collect the cargo, unaware of the scam, and other times fake driver’s licenses are used to get accomplices hired. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 26 Oct. 2026 Only 13% of scams in the Gallup survey were reported to the FTC or federal law enforcement. — Muskaan Arshad, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026 Some online agencies will sell your information, leading to spam calls and potentially even scam artists. — Emily Pisacreta, NPR, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam

Noun

Cárdenas played a pivotal role in Mexico's democratization, beginning with his first presidential bid in 1988, which ended in a defeat widely regarded as the result of widespread electoral fraud.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 30 Oct. 2026
With first-party fraud and friendly disputes eroding already thin retail margins, managing chargebacks requires far more than basic operational recovery.

— Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 30 Oct. 2026

Definition of fraud

Noun

Upon joining, the young employees typically get assigned to a unit, each designed around a specific literary swindle.

— Snigdha Poonam, The Dial, 13 Oct. 2026
Eventually, the great hip-hop swindle gets out of hand, and threatens to break up Billy’s relationship with longtime sweetheart Mary (Lucy Halliday).

— Al Shipley, SPIN, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of swindle

Noun

Matthew Unglesbee, a 36-year-old resident of Quincy in southwestern Illinois, was charged with violations related to false information and hoaxes and mailing threatening communications.

— David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 27 Oct. 2026
Schools banned its use, and journalists were shamed for credulously repeating its hoaxes.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of hoax

Noun

Thankfully, dishwasher-safe options with materials like glass, silicone, and stainless steel have all the convenience and none of the cons.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 Oct. 2026
Pros & cons 5% cash back rewards on category of choice each month for Chime Prime™ members.

— Dan Avery, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of con

Noun

The scheme came to light after Hegarty's sister-in-law, Peggy Hegarty, was contacted by an agent from the rooming house where Hegarty had been taken.

— Joan Murray, CBS News, 27 Oct. 2026
As part of the scheme, prosecutors allege, Heflin conspired with other companies and individuals to predetermine who would win certain business, at times submitting intentionally inflated bids to schools.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 27 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of scam

noun

Example Sentences

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