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 office also said the figures came from pursuing Paycheck Protection Program fraud, as well as romance scams and ploys that target older adults. — Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 6 Nov. 2026 Security experts have long warned that AI voice and face cloning could be easily abused to enhance impersonation scams. — Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026 Job search scams can cost applicants hundreds or thousands of dollars. — Sarah Jackson, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026 Rental scam Zion police were warning residents about a scam involving a rental property. — Clifford Ward, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam

Noun

Several other Orban-era officials, including the former governor of the Central Bank, are also in police detention on suspicion of fraud and corruption crimes.

— Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 14 Nov. 2026
The lawsuit seeks a court declaration recognizing Taylor’s copyright ownership, a share of the profits generated by the allegedly infringing songs, and damages for alleged fraud, false imprisonment, and unfair business practices.

— Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 13 Nov. 2026

Definition of fraud

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
Unglesbee, of Quincy in southwestern Illinois, is charged with mailing threatening communications and perpetrating a hoax.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Definition of hoax

Noun

Men between 70 and 74 should talk to their doctors about the pros and cons of getting tested, the guidelines state, while men 75 and older, or those not expected to live another 10 years, should stop screening.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Nov. 2026
Put it all together, and the CBO study provided grist both for both the pro and con camps.

— Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2026

Definition of con

Noun

The strategy has not been confirmed verbatim by the Treasury, but Bessent himself has indicated the scheme worked by buying back more expensive, long-term debt (in which yields, and hence interest, are higher) in lieu of cheaper, short-term debt.

— Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Nov. 2026
In that case, two Nigerian men were convicted in a sextortion scheme that targeted DeMay, 17, and over 100 other victims including 11 minors from halfway around the world.

— Kaitlin McCallum, Hartford Courant, 10 Nov. 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 15 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of scam

noun

Example Sentences

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