SUBTERFUGES Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

subterfuge

noun

ˈsəb-tər-ˌfyüj

Definition of subterfuge

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"

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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 Skip the subterfuge as the sun and Mercury harmonize. — Usa Today, USA Today, 14 May 2026 As the characters’ interests begin to collide, tensions, subterfuge and high-tech surveillance ratchet up. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 11 May 2026 Whether those suspicions were valid or a result of subterfuge by Connelly, the Nuggets ultimately traded up six spots to draft Holmes, sacrificing three future second-round picks. — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026 Including some subterfuge in this case. — Kansas City Star, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for subterfuge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subterfuge

Noun

Camouflage, concealment, and deception Protecting missile infrastructure also depends on preventing an adversary from developing an accurate target list.

— Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 14 July 2026
The snake charmer is, in effect, a stand-in for Gérôme, whose art relies on seduction and deception.

— Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 13 July 2026

Definition of deception

Noun

Molière’s irresistible comedy of trickery and mayhem is a dazzling new adaptation by Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell — reimagined for today’s audiences with fresh American flair and nonstop physical comedy, according to a news release.

— News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
The absolute key to France’s attack is the telepathic understanding brewing between Mbappé and Olise, whose combined trickery and close control are in perfect harmony.

— Tom Burrows, New York Times, 27 June 2026

Definition of trickery

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
Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.

— Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025

Definition of deceptiveness

Noun

The Manchester City star is fully back to his 2024 Ballon d’Or-winning self, marshaling the middle, providing amazing connection between the front and back and even annoying the French players with some gamesmanship near the end.

— Patrick Sung Cuadrado, CNN Money, 14 July 2026
For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026

Definition of gamesmanship

Noun

Few would begrudge Paraguay this recognition, but the skullduggery did produce eye-rolls and requires stronger officiating.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
For this skullduggery-stopping potential, the city paid $67,548, which is in the rough ballpark as what your average cop probably makes annually.

— Frank Landymore, Futurism, 17 June 2026

Definition of skulduggery

Noun

The film’s existence was confirmed by the Hollywood trades, but details were of course scarce, as Baron Cohen made the project in characteristic secrecy.

— Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 13 July 2026
The rapid rise of China’s biotech industry has led some American drug developers to do their work in near total secrecy, the Wall Street Journal observes.

— Damian Garde, STAT, 10 July 2026

Definition of secrecy

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subtenants

subterfuge

subterranean

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“Subterfuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subterfuge. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of subterfuge

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