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 He was also accused of deceiving escrow agents to secure the release of pre-construction condo deposits and then misappropriated those funds for personal expenses unrelated to the developments. —

Jay Weaver june 6, Miami Herald, 6 June 2026 The Allies went to extraordinary lengths to deceive the enemy, suggesting that the attack would focus on the Pas-de-Calais, the narrowest point of the English Channel. —

Kevin Maurer, The Atlantic, 6 June 2026 While the prominence resembles a fiery eruption, Johnston notes that looks can be deceiving. —

Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 5 June 2026 Do not be deceived by this seemingly simple question. —

Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for deceive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceive

Verb

Kurt's key takeaways Rick's story is a tough reminder that scams can look polished enough to fool careful people.

— Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 June 2026
Busch wasn’t fooled when San Francisco Giants lefty reliever Erik Miller hung a 1-1 slider over the plate in the fifth inning.

— Meghan Montemurro, Chicago Tribune, 13 June 2026

Definition of fool

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deceivable

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deceived

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“Deceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deceive. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.

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Synonyms of deceive

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