swindle 1 of 2

Definition of swindlenext

swindle

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb swindle contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of swindle are cheat, cozen, and defraud. While all these words mean "to get something by dishonesty or deception," swindle implies large-scale cheating by misrepresentation or abuse of confidence.

swindled of their savings by con artists

When would cheat be a good substitute for swindle?

The words cheat and swindle are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cheat suggests using trickery that escapes observation.

cheated me out of a dollar

When might cozen be a better fit than swindle?

The synonyms cozen and swindle are sometimes interchangeable, but cozen implies artful persuading or flattering to attain a thing or a purpose.

always able to cozen her grandfather out of a few dollars

When could defraud be used to replace swindle?

The meanings of defraud and swindle largely overlap; however, defraud stresses depriving one of his or her rights and usually connotes deliberate perversion of the truth.

defrauded of her inheritance by an unscrupulous lawyer

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 swindle
Noun
As part of the swindle, McCabe promised to transfer the proceeds from the sale of the yacht to the victim, who according to court filings was a widower who had no family support. Sean Emery, Oc Register, 28 Jan. 2026 Yusuf was charged with one count of racketeering and six counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle in June 2024 in connection with fraudulent claims submitted by Promise Health Services to Medicaid for reimbursement. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025
Verb
After over a decade of partnership, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is suing OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for more than $130 billion, alleging that Altman and OpenAI cofounder Greg Brockman swindled him and betrayed the company’s founding charitable mission. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026 The series chronicles the exploits of Kuashal Niroula and Danny Garcia as they are roped into an impressive group of eccentric, like-minded con artists to form the ‘gay grifters’ swindling a bevy of unsuspecting victims out of millions in cash and property over a decade plus. Kate Aurthur, Variety, 10 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for swindle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swindle
Noun
  • Even worse, many of those scams targeted older individuals and are getting even more money from them than in years past.
    Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 26 June 2026
  • Generally, men and women are equally victimized by scammers, said Amy Nofziger, senior director of victim support for the AARP Fraud Watch Network, a free resource for consumers to learn about scams and report them.
    Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • The fans were cheated Sunday out of a chance to see an interesting pitching matchup between Shota Imanaga and Dylan Cease, the former Cubs farmhand and former White Sox pitcher.
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 21 June 2026
  • For example, a spouse who catches their partner cheating and kills someone in the heat of emotion.
    Lorena O’Neil, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2026
Verb
  • Ecuador beat Germany 2-1 in its final group-play match to squeeze into the knockout stages for just the second time, advancing as a third-place team.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
  • There was Paris squeezed between meetings on a fleeting work trip.
    Alisha Prakash, Travel + Leisure, 27 June 2026
Verb
  • Home Depot and rival Lowe’s must also confront a weak housing market, which has been stung by stubbornly high interest rates and rising building material expenses.
    John Kell, Fortune, 24 June 2026
  • Christie Ray/Queen Bee Supply via AP A photojournalist from CBS affiliate KDFM also captured video despite being stung , the station reported.
    CBS News, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Prime Day 2026 Editor Picks One way to weed through the pages and pages of deals is going straight to the Vogue editor picks section, to see what the team has hand-plucked across all categories.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 24 June 2026
  • This gorgeous, minimalist rug from Nuloom looks like it was plucked straight from a five-star resort with its striking border and jute-like texture.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 24 June 2026
Verb
  • The first inning looked promising as Yandy Diaz and Jonathan Aranda singled, and Cedric Mullins hustled his bunt attempt into a hit to load the bases.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 21 June 2026
  • Letting go of the idea that success requires hustling at all costs — and replacing it with goals that feel attainable — can help founders shift toward a more sustainable approach, one where progress doesn't come at the cost of their well-being.
    Holly Eve, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026
Verb
  • Federal authorities on Tuesday charged 10 Southern California defendants in a series of healthcare fraud schemes, including one case involving nearly $270 million in fraudulent Medi-Cal claims and another that allegedly defrauded Medicare out of approximately $27 million.
    Michael Sinkewicz, FOXNews.com, 24 June 2026
  • Of those, eight were accused of defrauding the Housing Stabilization Services program, which the Minnesota Department of Human Services shut down last year over fraud concerns.
    Riley Moser, CBS News, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The thing is, a lot of people have a talent for deceiving the public.
    Juan J. Arroyo, Rolling Stone, 21 June 2026
  • Park and weather officials alike emphasize to Grand Canyon visitors that hiking conditions can be deceiving.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Swindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swindle. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.

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