DECEPTION Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

deception

noun

di-ˈsep-shən

Definition of deception next

as in deceit

the inclination or practice of misleading others through lies or trickery a telemarketing company with a reputation for deception

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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 The latest arrests follow several others in recent weeks of individuals accused of attempting to enter fire zones by using deception. —

Mollie Markowitz, Fox News, 21 Jan. 2025 But Biden’s presidency will also be remembered for four big illusions — and four big deceptions. —

Bret Stephens, The Mercury News, 18 Jan. 2025 The complaint stems from the FTC's compliance reviews with Snap following a 2014 settlement regarding allegations of public deception pertaining to data collection by the company. —

Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025 Smith argued Trump’s deception about his claims was key because people wouldn’t have participated otherwise. —

Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for deception

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deception

Noun

Like any gadfly, Kennedy’s willingness to challenge institutions and conventional wisdom has sometimes led him to question things that needed questioning, not least during the Covid era’s riot of hubris and deceit in the public health sector.

— The Editors, National Review, 29 Jan. 2025
The casual deceit that had served him in prison was proving useful.

— Joshua Kaplan, ProPublica, 4 Jan. 2025