CHEAT Synonyms: 186 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

cheat 1 of 2

verb

ˈchēt

Definition of cheat next

as in to misrepresent

to use dishonest methods to achieve a goal students who cheat on tests end up never knowing anything

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to lie

to be sexually unfaithful he suspects that his girlfriend is cheating on him

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

as in to squeeze

to rob by the use of trickery or threats a despicable confidence man who heartlessly cheated elderly people out of their savings

Synonyms & Similar Words

cheat

2 of 2

noun

as in dodger

a dishonest person who uses clever means to cheat others out of something of value a cheat at cards

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

Following years of an on-and-off relationship and weathering several cheating scandals, the couple split in 2021. —

Charna Flam, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025 There’s a scene where the duo is trying to get their rent money back from Alyssa’s conniving and cheating boyfriend, which perfectly encapsulates the blend of wit and physical comedy that makes the film so memorable. —

Shelby Stewart, Essence, 21 Jan. 2025

Noun

Bill Clinton pardoned Marc Rich, a fugitive tax cheat whose ex-wife generously donated to Clinton and the Democrats, and Clinton also pardoned his half-brother. —

Abdallah Fayyad, Vox, 17 Jan. 2025 His legs were an obvious X-factor, especially near the goal line, where his mobility was like a cheat code. —

Mike Defabo, The Athletic, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cheat

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cheat

Verb

Holiday, who did not respond to a request for comment, previously told The Johnson County Post that the video was likely edited to misrepresent what was said on the call.

— Matthew Kelly, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025
In addition to hacking phones, the tabloids hired private detectives and encouraged journalists to lie and misrepresent themselves to gain access to highly personal data.

— Mark Landler, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025