as in frauds
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
Relevance
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 scams
Numerous high-profile accounts have been hijacked to promote crypto scams, including one of OpenAI's unofficial accounts in late 2024.
—
PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2025
This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Her character Yun Yi-rang masterminds some complicated and often hilarious scams targeting villains.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Here’s a look at the cases featured in the new docuseries and tips for viewers on how to avoid falling for romance scams themselves.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
The scams are so prevalent that more than 150 utilities have united to fight them.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
While Roblox has filters and moderation, kids can still be exposed to inappropriate language, scams, or unsafe conversations.
—Annabelle Canela, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025
Charley Hull, Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie West, Morgan Pressel and Nelly Korda all have publicly posted warnings about the scams to their followers.
—Carson Kessler, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
In 2024, Americans reported $470 million in losses to text scams, more than fivefold the amount reported in 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
—Jillian Frankel, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025
PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2025
This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Her character Yun Yi-rang masterminds some complicated and often hilarious scams targeting villains.
—Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Here’s a look at the cases featured in the new docuseries and tips for viewers on how to avoid falling for romance scams themselves.
—Olivia B. Waxman, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
The scams are so prevalent that more than 150 utilities have united to fight them.
—Frank Witsil, Freep.com, 5 Sep. 2025
While Roblox has filters and moderation, kids can still be exposed to inappropriate language, scams, or unsafe conversations.
—Annabelle Canela, Parents, 5 Sep. 2025
Charley Hull, Lexi Thompson, Michelle Wie West, Morgan Pressel and Nelly Korda all have publicly posted warnings about the scams to their followers.
—Carson Kessler, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2025
In 2024, Americans reported $470 million in losses to text scams, more than fivefold the amount reported in 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission.
—Jillian Frankel, People.com, 17 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scams
Noun
-
Leaving aside outright frauds, pay-for-play exists on a spectrum of cost and legitimacy.—
Dana Harris-Bridson,
IndieWire,
26 Aug. 2025
-
And never give up the kind of personal information that is beyond the scope of a simple quote for a service, scammers look to use this to perpetuate other frauds and attacks.—
Davey Winder,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
These hoaxes tax the resources of police departments and put an unquantifiable mental strain on the victims, ratcheting up the importance of putting a stop to them.—
Rebekah Riess,
CNN Money,
1 Sep. 2025
-
The bureau warned that these hoaxes not only waste law enforcement time and resources but also endanger lives.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
31 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scams.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scams. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share