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Definition of cheatnext
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as in to disappoint
to fall short in satisfying the expectation or hope of the daredevil survived his plunge over the falls with barely a scratch, having cheated death once again

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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cheat

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb cheat contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cheat are cozen, defraud, and swindle. While all these words mean "to get something by dishonesty or deception," cheat suggests using trickery that escapes observation.

cheated me out of a dollar

When can cozen be used instead of cheat?

The words cozen and cheat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is defraud a more appropriate choice than cheat?

The meanings of defraud and cheat 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

Where would swindle be a reasonable alternative to cheat?

In some situations, the words swindle and cheat are roughly equivalent. However, swindle implies large-scale cheating by misrepresentation or abuse of confidence.

swindled of their savings by con artists

How does the verb cheat contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cheat are cozen, defraud, and swindle. While all these words mean "to get something by dishonesty or deception," cheat suggests using trickery that escapes observation.

cheated me out of a dollar

When can cozen be used instead of cheat?

The words cozen and cheat are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 is defraud a more appropriate choice than cheat?

The meanings of defraud and cheat 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

Where would swindle be a reasonable alternative to cheat?

In some situations, the words swindle and cheat are roughly equivalent. However, swindle implies large-scale cheating by misrepresentation or abuse of confidence.

swindled of their savings by con artists

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 cheat
Verb
Indigenous people have been cheated through laws such as are operated in Nigeria today. Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026 Paul frequently accuses Mortenson of cheating and lying, which he’s openly admitted to — after he gets caught. Jodi Guglielmi, Rolling Stone, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
No computers or tablets in dugouts or bullpens, and no cheat-sheet cards for fielders or pitchers. Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Mar. 2026 Having a stash of shrimp in the freezer is one of life's best dinner cheat codes. Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cheat
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheat
Verb
  • Under the settlement, Match and OkCupid must stop misrepresenting their data practices and privacy controls, but no financial penalties were imposed.
    Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Following the revelation that Immigration and Customs Enforcement misrepresented its authority to arrest people in immigration court, Congressman Dan Goldman Friday demanded ICE and the Department of Homeland Security provide a full accounting of everyone swept up by the aggressive practice.
    Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • His skills lie within music, but luckily for him, his daughter, Annabelle, has an eye for art.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 5 Apr. 2026
  • But the wonders of technology did not allow White to lie for long.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • That result may have disappointed some considering AC Boise dominated the scoring chances in its home debut.
    Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 5 Apr. 2026
  • Bill Murray, for one, is accustomed to complex if not disappointing sporting dynamics.
    Andrew Carter, Chicago Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Skiers and snowboarders trying to squeeze the last bits of winter fun from Colorado‘s meager snowpack will have one less option after this week, with Vail Resort set to close 11 days sooner than planned.
    Katie Langford, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The disruption has not only sent fuel prices soaring, but has squeezed supplies of petrochemicals needed to make everyday items like shoes, clothing and plastic bags.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Almost all other passengers dine at the Britannia Restaurant, and there’s also a buffet restaurant serving international cuisine, with options for vegans, vegetarians and dairy dodgers.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2026
  • But my collection intentionally ignored the fraudulent exploits of billionaire heirs, tax dodgers and corporate magnates — defense contracts, government lobbying, bank accounts in Switzerland, shell companies in Panama, citizenship of Antigua and political asylum in London.
    Snigdha Poonam, The Dial, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In the 72nd minute, Dudinha, who finished with two assists, stole the ball from Chicago and passed it to Barcenas, who, while moving to her left, delivered a brilliant backheel to her right to evade two defenders.
    Fernando Ramirez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2026
  • To evade interference from electronic jammers, both militaries launch drones attached to miles-long spools of fiber-optic wire - leaving behind a digital spider's web.
    Holly Williams, CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Two adults cannot sleep comfortably on a twin bed.
    Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
  • More than a third of Americans now occasionally or consistently sleep apart from their partner, and research suggests the arrangement can improve both rest and relationships.
    Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The dads and sons hustled to a nearby dirt patch.
    Charles Bethea, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • Minnesota pulled even in the fourth when Byron Buxton hustled home on sacrifice fly by Josh Bell.
    CBS News, CBS News, 28 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cheat.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cheat. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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