deception

noun

di-ˈsep-shən How to pronounce deception (audio)
Definition of deceptionnext
as in deceit
the inclination or practice of misleading others through lies or trickery a telemarketing company with a reputation for deception

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun deception differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deception are double-dealing, fraud, subterfuge, and trickery. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

Where would double-dealing be a reasonable alternative to deception?

In some situations, the words double-dealing and deception are roughly equivalent. However, double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

When would fraud be a good substitute for deception?

While in some cases nearly identical to deception, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When can subterfuge be used instead of deception?

Although the words subterfuge and deception have much in common, subterfuge suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end.

obtained the papers by subterfuge

In what contexts can trickery take the place of deception?

The words trickery and deception are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat.

resorted to trickery to gain their ends

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 deception Governments face challenges to counteract digital deception and maintain democratic integrity. —Ivan Shkvarun, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 Last summer, an exponentially growing audience of fans watched her fall head-over-heels for Brit Aaron Evans, only to be left heartbroken over his deception and sobbing to an entirely too appropriate Sabrina Carpenter song chosen by the show's editors. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 19 July 2025 Finding The Right Balance The cost of workplace deception is more than just a nasty surprise come employee feedback day. —Dmitry Malin, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 TikTok researchers and users have identified a new type of deception on the popular app: deepfake videos that replicate the exact words of a real creator but use a different voice. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for deception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deception
  1. deceit
  2. fraud
  3. cunning
Noun
  • What begins as a convenient living arrangement spirals into a dangerous game of desire and deceit.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 July 2025
  • But there’s more to the Prime Video series than just murder and deceit, says the actress, whose credits also include The Sinner and 7th Heaven.
    — Beatrice Verhoeven, HollywoodReporter, 12 June 2025
Definition of deceit
Noun
  • Always Active These Cookies and SDKs are required for Service functionality, including security and fraud prevention, and to enable any purchasing capabilities.
    — Dylan Butts, CNBC, 14 July 2025
  • Southeast Asia has become a global epicenter of cyber scams, where high-tech fraud meets human trafficking.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 14 July 2025
Definition of fraud
Noun
  • Despite being outnumbered fifty-to-one by the Five Families of the Italian Mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.
    — Joe Otterson, Variety, 22 July 2025
  • Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, The Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.
    — Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 24 June 2025
Definition of cunning

Browse Nearby Words

decentralizing
deception
deceptive
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Cite this Entry

“Deception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deception. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.

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