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

Early Jewish interpreters also struggled with the fact that Rebekah’s favoritism toward Jacob and her insistence upon his subterfuge nevertheless align with God’s plan. —Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 13 Mar. 2026

This claim swayed Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh to note this version of the administration’s fabrication in his dissent, which will be forever linked to this administration’s subterfuge. —Mark Pirie, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2026

Both nations are among the tournament's top contenders, which made the last few practices stateside simmering with subterfuge. —Ren Clayton, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026

The anti-ICE movement seems to be more of a subterfuge by those who oppose immigration restrictions in general. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 6 Feb. 2026

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!