Synonyms of subterfuge

subterfuge

noun

ˈsəb-tər-ˌfyüj 

as in deception

the use of clever underhanded actions to achieve an end

propagandists who use a kind of photographic subterfuge, superimposing one image on another to create a false "reality"

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deception
• treachery
• trickery
• skullduggery
• deceptiveness
• chicanery
• gamesmanship
• skulduggery
• secrecy
• cunning
• stealth
• artfulness
• deceit
• jugglery
• legerdemain
• scheming
• hanky-panky
• plotting
• chicane
• wile
• artifice
• jiggery-pokery
• deceitfulness
• duplicity
• underhandedness
• shrewdness
• sneakiness
• deviousness
• hypocrisy
• slyness
• dishonesty
• insincerity
• double-dealing
• dissimulation
• shiftiness
• slipperiness
• guile
• craftiness
• fakery
• design
• slickness
• crookedness
• wiliness
• quackery
• shadiness
• humbuggery
• imposture
• caginess
• oiliness
• crookery
• dupery
• cageyness
• sharpness
• dirty tricks
• dirty pool
• foxiness
• guilefulness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sincerity
• artlessness
• ingenuousness
• forthrightness
• guilelessness
• candor
• directness
• openness
• plainness
• candidness
• plainspokenness

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun subterfuge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of subterfuge are deception, double-dealing, fraud, and trickery. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," subterfuge suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end.

obtained the papers by subterfuge

When could deception be used to replace subterfuge?

Although the words deception and subterfuge have much in common, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

Where would double-dealing be a reasonable alternative to subterfuge?

The words double-dealing and subterfuge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

When can fraud be used instead of subterfuge?

In some situations, the words fraud and subterfuge are roughly equivalent. However, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When is trickery a more appropriate choice than subterfuge?

The words trickery and subterfuge can be used in similar contexts, but trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat.

resorted to trickery to gain their ends

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of subterfuge

With a bit of guidance, navigating between the classic go-to’s and the newer dining options are scattered throughout the properties can lead to incredible culinary discoveries, plenty of popping champagne bottles and even a dash of historical subterfuge. —Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

This sequence introduces The Agency as a maze of contradictory nationalist motivations, paranoia-inducing surveillance, and prevalent subterfuge — and, in its hidden center, a love story. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025

Using a figurehead Then again, Trump might just want to avoid all of these legal subterfuges by following the example of George and Lurleen Wallace. —Philip Klinkner, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025

This is a subterfuge in an attempt to sidestep the elements of gambling. —Daniel Wallach, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

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