double-dealing 1 of 2

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as in fraudulent
marked by, based on, or done by the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value double-dealing business practices that are being investigated by the state's attorney general

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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double-dealing

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun double-dealing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of double-dealing are deception, fraud, subterfuge, and trickery. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

When might deception be a better fit than double-dealing?

The meanings of deception and double-dealing largely overlap; however, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

When is fraud a more appropriate choice than double-dealing?

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

indicted for fraud

When could subterfuge be used to replace double-dealing?

The synonyms subterfuge and double-dealing are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When would trickery be a good substitute for double-dealing?

In some situations, the words trickery and double-dealing are roughly equivalent. However, 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 double-dealing
Noun
Or that double-dealing old ally who can still hunt? Mohammed Hanif, Time, 2 Sep. 2025 Making his Broadway debut, Burr is a cyclone as the fast-talking, double-dealing Dave Moss, who springs a plan to steal the leads on his unwilling accomplice, George Aaronow (McKean, drolly exasperated). Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 Mullen's righthand man, Roger Carlson (Jesse Plemons), was double-dealing with billionaire Robert Lyndon (Clark Gregg), who ultimately ordered a hit on him in Episode 4. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025 Through his double-dealing with the government, Carmine Falcone was Gotham’s top crime boss for over two decades, accruing massive wealth, political influence, and an elite status. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2024 Far from being some dastardly act of espionage and double-dealing, Cartwright made his fateful choice out of love. Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 While the Biden Administration seems to perceive Cambodia as an amenable partner, Manet is double-dealing Beijing and Washington. Sam Rainsy, TIME, 24 June 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double-dealing
Adjective
  • An investigation revealed the suspect was driving without a license and had affixed a fraudulent registration tab to the rear license plate.
    Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The fraudulent sellers uncovered by CNBC took credentials from a wide range of companies.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge,Paige Tortorelli, CNBC, 19 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • The score remained that way until the eighth when Ramírez sparked a two-out rally with a double.
    Betsy Helfand, Twin Cities, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Guzman drew a leadoff walk, Bryce Teodosio singled and Nolan Schanuel drove them both in with a double to right.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • Meanwhile, a group of states led by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton separately sued Google for anticompetitive and deceptive practices in its ad business.
    Bloomberg, Mercury News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Katie’s denial was once again found to be deceptive.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • But there’s some deception at play.
    Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Stories of similar scenes are sweeping Puerto Rico—raids without court orders, marked by deception and racial profiling, often regardless of legal status.
    Israel Melendez Ayala, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • These are cheap, dishonest shots against a great intellect, acknowledged by friends and opponents alike.
    James Gaylord, Oc Register, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Industry groups insist that they are committed to weeding out dishonest companies that make false claims or sell dangerous products.
    Suzy Khimm, NBC news, 26 Aug. 2025
Adjective
  • Colbert made several jokes about needing a job and even brought a fake resume with a youthful headshot of himself.
    Rosa Escandon, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The Nepalese government, citing concerns over fake accounts, hate speech, disinformation and fraud, said the measures were to ensure accountability and make operators responsible for content on their platforms.
    Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But what is Canada, if not a shady land deal?
    Dan Piepenbring, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025
  • The retreat is made up of 60 villas—some with their own pools—found along winding lanes, made shady with towering palm trees and scented frangipani.
    Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Redford's career seemed to be shaped around the idea that the best qualities of the American spirit—maybe best defined as a kind of forthright, unassuming honesty—could prevail against corruption and deceit.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Pratt’s operation involved luring women into pornography through deceit and coercion, with the content later shared online, according to prosecutors.
    Real-Time News team, Miami Herald, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Double-dealing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double-dealing. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

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