Definition of deceitfulnext
1
as in fraudulent
marked by, based on, or done by the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value charged the store owner with such deceitful practices as inflating the list prices for items only so he could put them on sale at drastically reduced prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective deceitful differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deceitful are dishonest, mendacious, and untruthful. While all these words mean "unworthy of trust or belief," deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing.

the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse

When would dishonest be a good substitute for deceitful?

In some situations, the words dishonest and deceitful are roughly equivalent. However, dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud.

a swindle usually involves two dishonest people

Where would mendacious be a reasonable alternative to deceitful?

The meanings of mendacious and deceitful largely overlap; however, mendacious may suggest bland or even harmlessly mischievous deceit and when used of people often suggests a habit of telling untruths.

mendacious tales of adventure

When might untruthful be a better fit than deceitful?

While the synonyms untruthful and deceitful are close in meaning, untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality.

an untruthful account of their actions

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 deceitful The same goes for Shelly Regner, who plays the alluring but ever-deceitful Brigid. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 Mar. 2026 Musk has accused Altman of fraud and other deceitful behavior in a case scheduled to go to trial in late April. Michael Liedtke, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026 Their false claims about getting financially fleeced by Uncle Sam were fueled by a rather sophisticated, albeit deceitful and shameful lobbying campaign, sponsored by greedy gadflies out to make a quick buck. Tom Margenau, Dallas Morning News, 1 Feb. 2026 The book goes into the deceitful methods used to secure the interview, which was broadcast on 20 November 1995, and the interest in figuring out what happened that exists to this day. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 30 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deceitful
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceitful
Adjective
  • In another case, Nita Almuete Paddit Palma, 76, and her husband, Adolfo Catbagan, 68, are accused of operating three fraudulent hospice care facilities, including one that was operating while Palma was free on bond in another hospice fraud case.
    Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 2 Apr. 2026
  • Medicare paid the Gills more than $4 million on the fraudulent claims.
    Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Also, offering free samples is deceptive marketing, due to evidence that 7-OH is addictive.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Set in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, the grandiosity of MoMA is deceptive.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Asked about those allegations, Grossi said his role is to provide technical expertise, not to weigh in on whether Iran was honest or dishonest.
    Joe Walsh, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • This is dishonest and partisan.
    Letters to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Winds high above Saturn were generating electrical currents, creating a misleading auroral signal that mimicked changes in rotation.
    Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026
  • Parts of the ballot language backing a tax on second homes in San Diego are misleading and must be amended, a judge ruled Thursday.
    Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Five of the cases involved hospice care facilities in several cities across Los Angeles County that submitted false claims to Medicare for patients who were not terminally ill and were not eligible for services, prosecutors said.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
  • This means that precious time was likely lost at the beginning as police investigated a lead that was based on false assumptions.
    Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 3 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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