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

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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 CyberGuy has previously covered how rental scams work and what renters should watch for. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 12 Aug. 2026 The law is aimed at blunting financial scams that often target older adults, which frequently include prompting victims to withdraw large sums of money at once. — Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 12 Aug. 2026 Trying to build a scam-detection system for private systems can be controversial, though. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026 Here's what's happening Osterloh pointed to features like scam detection, its Rambler voice transcription technology and deeper integration of Gemini across Android as capabilities that distinguish Google's experience. — Mackenzie Sigalos, CNBC, 12 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
  • The State Bar also provides consumer information about avoiding legal fraud, including the unauthorized practice of law, and tips about avoiding immigration legal services fraud.
    — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • They are further accused of common law fraud and equitable fraud.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 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
  • Rumors claim that the virus is a hoax, that health workers are profiting from the outbreak or that hospitals are withholding lifesaving treatments.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 7 Aug. 2026
  • America’s penny press transformed journalism in the 1830s, using hoaxes, sensationalism, and mass circulation to create a blueprint for modern media.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of hoax
Noun
  • Weighing the cons of student loan refinancing The biggest downside of my decision was extending my repayment term.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The music industry has been wrestling with the pros and cons of the new technology that allows musical novices to create professional-sounding songs in seconds.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of con
Noun
  • The Steelers outgained Green Bay 385-160 and collected yardage in huge chunks at times on plays that had receivers running wide open against a vanilla defense more focused on fundamentals than elaborate schemes for a game that didn't count.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • In the scheme of climate change, the cost of my cough is relatively small.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 14 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 16 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on scam

Nglish: Translation of scam for Spanish Speakers

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