DECEIVE Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'deceive' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deceive are beguile , delude , and mislead . While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness. // tried to deceive me about the cost

Q: In what contexts can 'beguile' take the place of 'deceive'?

Although the words beguile and deceive have much in common, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving. // was beguiled by false promises

Q: When is 'delude' a more appropriate choice than 'deceive'?

While the synonyms delude and deceive are close in meaning, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth. // we were deluded into thinking we were safe

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mislead' instead of 'deceive'?

The words mislead and deceive can be used in similar contexts, but mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional. // I was misled by the confusing sign

deceive

verb

di-ˈsēv

Definition of deceive next

as in to fool

to cause to believe what is untrue he went to great lengths to deceive his family about the nature of his new job at the mall

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How does the verb deceive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deceive are beguile, delude, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

In what contexts can beguile take the place of deceive?

Although the words beguile and deceive have much in common, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is delude a more appropriate choice than deceive?

While the synonyms delude and deceive are close in meaning, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

When is it sensible to use mislead instead of deceive?

The words mislead and deceive can be used in similar contexts, but mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

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 deceive Defamation, which refers to a false statement of fact that is reputationally damaging, and false light, which is a technically true statement but is presented in a highly deceiving fashion, are other possible legal actions. —

Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 9 Mar. 2026 Looks, too, can be deceiving for those not on the grounds. —

Douglas Robson, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026 When Altman was briefly fired in late 2023, he had been accused of deceiving OpenAI’s nonprofit board. —

Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 7 Mar. 2026 The different vibe, the altered tempo of this year’s spring training is at first deceiving. —

Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deceive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceive

Verb

But don’t let that demure and goofy personality fool you!

— Heide Janssen, Oc Register, 15 Mar. 2026
Tatum then isolated against the Spurs big man, fooled him with an up-fake, finished at the rim and smiled after being shoved to the ground.

— Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 11 Mar. 2026

Definition of fool

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deceivable

deceive

deceived

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“Deceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deceive. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.

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Last Updated: 20 Mar 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of deceive

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