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 Miami Herald has contacted the city to learn more about the scam. — Michelle Marchante september 23, Miami Herald, 23 Sep. 2026 Southeast Asia had seen the growth of many scam compounds, particularly in countries where law enforcement has been weak. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 According to a second set of arrest papers, she's also accused of pulling the same scam on others, amounting to nearly half a million dollars total. — Ashley Portillo, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026 Waukegan police are warning of a phone scam involving people impersonating local police. — Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam

Noun

Theranos turned out to be a fraud, will be moved from her current minimum-security prison to a halfway house next year to finish out her prison term, officials said.

— Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 25 Sep. 2026
Additionally, DeSantis announced the creation of a new national group of election officials, with the aim of installing Florida’s legal changes designed to prevent voter fraud and crack down on those who vote illegally.

— Gray Rohrer, Miami Herald, 25 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

Lodi Unified says these posts are typically hoaxes but law enforcement and the district are taking every report seriously, giving some relief.

— Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026
As money hijacks morality and democracy begins to look like a hoax, Tresnjak’s Broadway-caliber staging contrasts garish spectacle with piercingly intimate scenes between Claire and Anton.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of hoax

Noun

Third-year head coach Jeff Lebby has gotten the right mix of scheme and talent in Starkville and could be on the way to competing in the top half of the league.

— PJ Green September 22, Kansas City Star, 22 Sep. 2026
Ramirez, 60, of Miami, pleaded guilty last year to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with the same scheme.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 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 27 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of scam

noun

Example Sentences

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