as in scam
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
the explanation was so plausible that I never suspected it was all a con to make off with my car
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to study
to commit to memory
usually candidates con their entire campaign speech, right down to the jokes they supposedly ad-lib
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to scan
to look over closely (as for judging quality or condition)
seemed to be conning his face for any sign of uncertainty
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
a fly-by-night operator who had conned hundreds of would-be homeowners out of their hard-earned money
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to trick
to cause to believe what is untrue
tried to con me into thinking that he had actually won the lottery
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of con
Matt Richardson, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
What are the pros and cons of a pergola?
—Melissa Minton, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026
Curt Devine, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025
The commune fell apart as residents realized they were being conned by the spiritual leader, a close friend of Jobs, into providing free labor for his apple cider business.
—Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for con
Noun
Just understand the pros and cons of each outlet before getting started to improve your chances of investing in the right type and amount (at the right price point).
—Matt Richardson, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026
What are the pros and cons of a pergola?
—Melissa Minton, Architectural Digest, 10 Mar. 2026
Verb
Dakota Root, who was conned into depositing $1,200 into a crypto ATM at a Circle K in Indiana, said the experience changed his perception of the neighborhood store.
—Curt Devine, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025
The commune fell apart as residents realized they were being conned by the spiritual leader, a close friend of Jobs, into providing free labor for his apple cider business.
—Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for con
Cite this Entry
“Con.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/con. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.
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