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 Tourists should also be aware of overcharging and scams from aggressive vendors. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026 The road to illicit riches used to run primarily through real estate; golf courses and villas, often built on land seized from farmers, were the ultimate money-making scam. — Andy Browne, semafor.com, 14 July 2026 On July 14, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos shared an update on X, alerting people to a potential scam related to the case. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 14 July 2026 The Pima County Sheriff's Department is warning people about a new scam using Nancy Guthrie. — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for scam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam

Noun

Made false claims of massive fraud of millions of undocumented people voting.

— Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
The consignor was later identified as an accomplice in a separate auction fraud case in Hebei province.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 17 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

In general, most experts agree that for a foreign vote-changing scheme to work, spooks would have to get physical access to the casting and counting systems used in thousands of different locations scattered around the country.

— Philip Elliott, Time, 17 July 2026
The scheme also aims to start environmental education activities in schools so that sharks will come to be seen as part of the region’s natural heritage.

— ABC News, ABC News, 17 July 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 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of scam

noun

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