as in fraud
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
that's just a scam to bilk insurance companies for staged accidents
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scam
The idea of this team of actors getting together for a scam is a fun one, but The Gallerist largely puts it to waste.
—
Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026
University Park police said no report was filed related to the scam.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
To clear his name, Mickey and his team must unravel Sam’s final scam, forcing them to go head-to-head with the DA’s office, the FBI, and ghosts from Mickey’s past.
—Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
That’s great news, but the same scams are running in every state, and CMS knows it.
—Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scam
Richard Lawson, HollywoodReporter, 25 Jan. 2026
University Park police said no report was filed related to the scam.
—Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026
To clear his name, Mickey and his team must unravel Sam’s final scam, forcing them to go head-to-head with the DA’s office, the FBI, and ghosts from Mickey’s past.
—Dana Feldman, Forbes.com, 21 Jan. 2026
That’s great news, but the same scams are running in every state, and CMS knows it.
—Washington Post, 20 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam
Noun
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Officials allege Redzepagic — who recently lived in Florida — was involved in a fraud scheme between May 2021 and March 2025.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
13 Feb. 2026
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French police have detained nine people in relation to a ticketing fraud scheme that may have cost the Louvre €10 million ($12 million).—
News Desk,
Artforum,
13 Feb. 2026
Noun
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As part of the swindle, McCabe promised to transfer the proceeds from the sale of the yacht to the victim, who according to court filings was a widower who had no family support.—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
28 Jan. 2026
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While Yusuf was found guilty of six counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle (over $35,000) in August by a jury, the decision was overturned by Judge Sarah West in November, according to KARE.—
Adam Sabes,
FOXNews.com,
1 Dec. 2025
Noun
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His thinking was contradictory at times but extensive; if this was a hoax, the execution was quite good.—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
11 Feb. 2026
-
The former agent suggested this could mean the kidnappers may be from overseas or that the note is a hoax.—
Carlos Garcia,
Fortune,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Customers who remember the Carmona’s Food Network appearance, when Diners, Drive-ins and Dives featured his mole French fries, might be interested in Milagro’s flautas con mole ($16), an upscale riff on the Fieri fave.—
Sarah Blaskovich,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
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Assignments on the First Amendment, the history and effects of peaceful protests or classroom debates on the pros and cons of ICE would all be more meaningful topics.—
Letters to the Editor,
The Orlando Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Those affected by the scheme can visit Agridime’s website to see how the company is handling investors’ claims.—
Harriet Ramos,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Feb. 2026
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Jane Doe alleged that in 2013, Epstein’s associates directed her to open a Bank of America account as part of a scheme to deceive immigration officials.—
Charlotte Observer,
Charlotte Observer,
13 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scam. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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