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

Synonym Chooser

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 Some of the behavior crossed from technical exploitation into deception. — Ron Schmelzer, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2026 His fastball only sits around 92-93, maybe 94 on a good day, but his funky delivery adds deception and misses bats. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 5 Aug. 2026 Nolan’s movie reckons with how Odysseus (Matt Damon) breaks Zeus’ law by coming up with the plan for the Trojan Horse and executing it in an attempt to sack the city of Troy through a deception. — Zack Sharf, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026 Recent history suggests that the only effective counter to such meddling is a public statement alerting voters to the deception, by some credibly neutral, nonpartisan authority. — David D. Kirkpatrick, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deception
  1. deceit
  2. deceptiveness
  3. fraud
  4. cheating
  5. deceitfulness
  6. cunning
Noun
  • When Gianni Infantino was chosen to replace Sepp Blatter as president of FIFA, he was seen as a reformer, someone who would bring transparency and openness to soccer’s international governing body, which had long been mired in scandal and deceit.
    — Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In my view, to tell the story of America’s founding without referencing these profound scars is akin to deceit, if not complicity.
    — Jacob Ware, The Conversation, 31 July 2026
Definition of deceit
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    — Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • The State Bar also provides consumer information about avoiding legal fraud, including the unauthorized practice of law, and tips about avoiding immigration legal services fraud.
    — Julie Sharp, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • They are further accused of common law fraud and equitable fraud.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of fraud
Noun
  • This has already resulted in rogue AI agents hacking, cheating, and even creating new viruses.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Last year, Anthropic found that if a model is allowed to cheat during training, the cheating becomes a habit.
    — Craig S. Smith, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of cheating
Noun
  • Antisocial personality includes a persistent pattern of traits such as callousness, lack of concern, deceitfulness, and irresponsibility, Ryan said.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Perfidy — from the French perfidie via the Latin perfidia — means deceitfulness, treachery or a breach of faith or promise.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
Definition of deceitfulness
Noun
  • Rhaenyra also dismisses Mysaria, a wise move carried out in a very unwise manner, given the woman’s cunning.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Nolan foregrounds the nobility that guides the character (his guilt, his dedication to his men, his yearning for his family) and neglects his wily cunning and egotism.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
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 15 Aug. 2026.

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