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

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 subterfuge An especially Jewish theme in the seventeenth century was not only the necessity but the dignity of subterfuge; to have lived in the shadows of another people’s empire had a nobility of its own, captured in this exquisite and ambivalent image. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 19 July 2025 People generally might not realize the subterfuge at play. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025 The facility had been subject to sabotage and subterfuge by Israel for many years even before these attacks–including a computer virus that wrecked the centrifuges over a decade ago. Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 26 June 2025 Israel, meanwhile, relies on both subterfuge and robust regular ground and air forces that are apparently unmatched in the region. Christopher Bodeen, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for subterfuge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subterfuge
Noun
  • In a chilling case of deception and domestic violence, what appeared to be months of stalking by an ex-boyfriend turned out to be an elaborate scheme orchestrated by a Colorado woman's own husband, culminating in her murder just days before Christmas.
    Doc Louallen, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2025
  • Methods include propaganda, deception, sabotage and other non-military tactics, the alliance says.
    Sophie Tanno, CNN Money, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And when the surviving crew interrogates the android Ash about his treachery, the book has him pretty much spill the space beans.
    Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
  • When does compromise become treachery or defeat?
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Sooners won 24-17 over the Tigers, thanks in part to trickery on an Isaiah Sategna III wide-open touchdown.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Corona del Mar used some trickery to take the lead on the ensuing possession.
    Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Democrats have stood still for this chicanery every time it’s been tried in the past.
    Thomas Elias, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The trial was a kangaroo circus packed with sophism, subterfuge, and courtroom chicanery.
    Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But Herrero, of the Cuba Study Group, argued that this kind of rhetoric is better understood as electoral gamesmanship.
    Jon Lee Anderson, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Anyone who doubts his resolve and dedication - especially when Charlie was such a close friend to him- simply is using this extremely sad moment in a disgusting act of political gamesmanship.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • And though O’Neil, who has been inside, says the building itself is in no shape for skullduggery, that doesn’t mean said skullduggery isn’t happening elsewhere.
    A.K. Whitney, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The American people are seeking solace and inspiration from its leaders, not pettiness and skullduggery.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • That could soon change thanks to a new bill that artists hope will remove the barriers and secrecy.
    Meghan Pryce, CNN Money, 24 Sep. 2025
  • While residents may have not enjoyed the secrecy that came with this development, Million said Microsoft is being cautious.
    Ricardo Torres, jsonline.com, 23 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subterfuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subterfuge. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

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