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 The deceit and deception is positively intoxicating to this longtime reality competition fan. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 27 Mar. 2025 Love, hate, longing, jealousy, deception, passion, confusion, humor, loyalty and pain make for great drama. —Jeryl Brunner, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 Operation Mincemeat—the Olivier Award–winning West End musical about a W.W. II–era deception operation that fooled the Nazis—is taking Broadway by storm By Tim Teeman Read On Children’s Classics All Aboard the Hogwarts Express! —Air Mail, 22 Mar. 2025 Yet, 78% of victims who pay experience repeat attacks, demonstrating that these assurances are nothing more than strategic deception. —Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deception
  1. deceit
  2. fraud
  3. cunning
Noun
  • Defense attorney Alan Jackson told the jury the collision never happened, and the investigation into Read was riddled with errors, bias, incompetence and deceit from the start.
    — N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • In economic markets, maintaining a consumer’s freedom of choice requires regulations against coercion and deceit.
    — Michael Gregory, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of deceit
Noun
  • The man who brought up the accusation of welfare fraud, who admitted to working for Alite's former boss John Gotti Jr., left the room, leaving a packet of handouts on a seat on his way out.
    — Olivia Liu, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Trump wants Chris Krebs, former director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, to be investigated for declaring, after careful study of the 2020 election, that there was no election fraud.
    — Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of fraud
Noun
  • 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.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Noted for his tenacity and cunning, Khamenei is also a man of conviction, and his hatred for the United States is deeply felt.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 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 29 Apr. 2025.

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