as in cheats
a dishonest person who uses clever means to cheat others out of something of value
Internet scammers who never seem to run out of swindles
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 scammers
Seniors are primary targets for these despicable scammers for a whole bunch of reasons.
—
Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Inspired by true events, LifeHack follows Kyle and his crew of digital Robin Hoods who hack scammers and steal from people the internet loves to hate, working from the comfort of their bedrooms.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Additionally, Android 17 will get a new feature that automatically detects and disconnects calls from known scammers, with Google working with financial institutions to identify them, as well as robocallers spoofing their phone numbers.
—Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026
Protect Yourself from Fraud Before using unfamiliar gas pumps, ATMs, or payment terminals, look for skimming devices scammers use to steal card information.
—Lori Smith, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
These data removal services scan for your personal information and help remove it from databases that scammers often tap into.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
In most cases, scammers don't need much to make a call feel real.
—Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 May 2026
With Gmail attacks ongoing, as well as warnings being issued as Google users are impacted by new security threats, users of Android smartphones are increasingly in the crosshairs of hackers and scammers alike.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Chinese nationals were killed in a shootout at one compound used by scammers on the border with Myanmar, Chinese and Myanmar state media reported.
—Hannah Beech, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Inspired by true events, LifeHack follows Kyle and his crew of digital Robin Hoods who hack scammers and steal from people the internet loves to hate, working from the comfort of their bedrooms.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Additionally, Android 17 will get a new feature that automatically detects and disconnects calls from known scammers, with Google working with financial institutions to identify them, as well as robocallers spoofing their phone numbers.
—Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 15 May 2026
Protect Yourself from Fraud Before using unfamiliar gas pumps, ATMs, or payment terminals, look for skimming devices scammers use to steal card information.
—Lori Smith, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
These data removal services scan for your personal information and help remove it from databases that scammers often tap into.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 May 2026
In most cases, scammers don't need much to make a call feel real.
—Mike Winters, CNBC, 9 May 2026
With Gmail attacks ongoing, as well as warnings being issued as Google users are impacted by new security threats, users of Android smartphones are increasingly in the crosshairs of hackers and scammers alike.
—Davey Winder, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024
Chinese nationals were killed in a shootout at one compound used by scammers on the border with Myanmar, Chinese and Myanmar state media reported.
—Hannah Beech, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scammers
Noun
-
Migrant welfare cheats exposed!—
The Hill,
The Hill,
5 May 2026
-
Iran lies, cheats, blusters and bullies.—
Chris Roemer,
Baltimore Sun,
5 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Ukraine faces severe personnel shortages with around 200,000 military desertions and 2 million draft-dodgers, threatening its ability to sustain the war against Russia’s 2022 invasion.—
Kirsten Grieshaber,
Los Angeles Times,
14 Apr. 2026
-
But my collection intentionally ignored the fraudulent exploits of billionaire heirs, tax dodgers and corporate magnates — defense contracts, government lobbying, bank accounts in Switzerland, shell companies in Panama, citizenship of Antigua and political asylum in London.—
Snigdha Poonam,
The Dial,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The small fish, also known as remoras, are known for attaching themselves to larger marine animals — including whales and sharks — for protection, free transportation and food.—
Desiree Anello,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
-
In a new study, researchers documented seven cases of remoras, a fish known for suctioning itself onto rays—as well as sharks, dolphins, boats and even divers—plunging into manta rays' cloacal orifice, an opening used for pooping, peeing and mating.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
The decade ended tumultuously, with the Osmond family’s fortune drained by a series of swindlers and grifters.—
Jon Blistein,
Rolling Stone,
21 Apr. 2026
-
This scam, according to Kent, could be proliferated with the use of AI, which can allow swindlers to enroll in many different college programs at once.—
Peter D'Abrosca,
FOXNews.com,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scammers.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scammers. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
