Definition of deceptionnext

Synonym Chooser

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 Expect the tension to rise in Season 2, Powell adds, as more people discovers Russ Holliday’s deception. Michael Schneider, Variety, 15 May 2026 Kouri Richins was sentenced in a case that stunned observers with its mix of alleged greed, deception and deeply personal fallout. Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 13 May 2026 Each case followed a similar pattern, with the girls found near major roadways, and investigators saying the killer may have used deception or familiarity to gain their trust. Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 What begins as a small con deepens when the painter’s shrewd agent (Gilles Lellouche) spots an opportunity, encouraging Suzanne to continue the deception as a way to revive his client’s creativity — and bankroll them both. Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for deception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deception
Noun
  • The Silicon Valley case remains the center of attention, focused on a 2024 lawsuit filed by Elon Musk that accuses OpenAI of alleged deceit in taking millions from the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX while operating as a nonprofit, only to later pivot into a for-profit enterprise.
    John Kell, Fortune, 13 May 2026
  • There's everything from resentment to jealousy, favouritism, and deceit swirling around in a boiling-hot cauldron where fair is foul and foul is fair.
    Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The appeals court that ordered a trial court to reconsider Peters' sentence said the trial judge's consideration of her belief in the existence of 2020 election fraud went beyond what was relevant to sentencing her.
    Aysha Bagchi, USA Today, 16 May 2026
  • Dana Williamson, former top aide to Newsom, pleaded guilty in an FBI corruption probe to bank fraud, filing a false tax return and lying to the FBI.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Nah, my dreams of us are probably better anyway - cheating?
    Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
  • And according to the data, most of this cheating is done with generative AI.
    Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Antisocial personality includes a persistent pattern of traits such as callousness, lack of concern, deceitfulness, and irresponsibility, Ryan said.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Perfidy — from the French perfidie via the Latin perfidia — means deceitfulness, treachery or a breach of faith or promise.
    Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Maybe the mere fact of having been born illustrious, with no apparent faults, with nothing to prove or to be ashamed of, had liberated John from the resentments the rest of us feel, and from the cunning and ambition such resentments fuel.
    Jeffrey Eugenides, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026
  • The Brazil international combines technical craft with a decisive cunning.
    Carl Anka, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Deception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deception. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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