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 Most often, this would be a network of fake accounts discovered by social media companies as part of their efforts to eliminate bots, scams, and online deception on their platforms. — RenÉe Diresta, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026 On social media and online forums, some French users call the emergence of digital tipping a scam that benefits restaurants and commission-earning payment platforms more than servers. — CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026 The family was among the victims of a scam targeting Haitians before resettling in Springfield. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026 Other schemes are more direct—like a new version of the Nigerian prince scam that uses celebrity deepfakes. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam

Noun

Collins noted that Kao, who was facing federal charges at the time, was convicted of money laundering and bank fraud.

— Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026
Molloy’s fraud was on Southeastern, a National Rail operator, rather than the Tube, but fare evasion still costs London’s transit system heavily.

— Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of fraud

Noun

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
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

Definition of swindle

Noun

Spanning two continents, the show — based on an incredible true story — delves into what happens when what begins as a simple con turns into one of the largest cryptocurrency Ponzi schemes in history.

— Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026
But there are also cons to buying a condo including sky-high HOA and parking fees, and emergency assessments, which could cost thousands of dollars.

— Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of con

Noun

Argentina’s citizen by investment scheme will offer numerous perks for travelers, including unlocking frictionless access to some of the most popular international destinations.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
The administration’s language would establish a range of mandatory minimum sentences based on the amount of loss involved in fraud schemes, according to the document.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of scheme

Browse Nearby Words

scaly

scam

scammer

See all Nearby Words

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“Scam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scam. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of scam

noun

Example Sentences

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