Synonym Chooser

How does the verb mislead differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mislead are beguile, deceive, and delude. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

When might beguile be a better fit than mislead?

In some situations, the words beguile and mislead are roughly equivalent. However, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When could deceive be used to replace mislead?

While in some cases nearly identical to mislead, deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

In what contexts can delude take the place of mislead?

While the synonyms delude and mislead are close in meaning, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

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 mislead Avoiding misleading statements to the news media which can worsen a crisis and expand its longevity. Rick Pozniak, Boston Herald, 1 Apr. 2025 Legal And Compliance Risks Defamatory content, misinformation or misleading claims can lead to legal challenges, including defamation lawsuits and regulatory scrutiny. Scott Keever, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Carr has repeatedly expressed interest in the complaint over 60 Minutes, which alleged that CBS misled viewers by airing two different responses to the same question about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one on 60 Minutes and the other on Face the Nation. ArsTechnica, 7 Apr. 2025 Two Syrians who were in the convoy accused the government of misleading them and assuring them the route was safe. Megha Rajagopalan, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mislead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mislead
Verb
  • But as, as the brilliant evolutionary psychologist Geoffrey Miller notes, our capacities to judge competence have evolved, so too have our capacities to deceive others about it.
    Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And Ken claims to be a man of faith but uses fake Uber accounts to meet his girlfriend and deceive his family.
    Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • That was probably a terrible decision, in fairness, but Meazza responded by faking a shot to fool a defender, then teed up Piola to score.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 20 Apr. 2025
  • While the towering shoes may seem intimidating, don’t let their large, often chunky heels fool you: PLatform shoes are among the most comfortable heels in any wardrobe.
    Nina Derwin, Glamour, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Deceptive tactics trick users into providing biometric data unknowingly.
    Mohamed Lazzouni, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The light from screens can trick your brain into staying awake.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mislead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mislead. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mislead

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