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 On top of that, his degree from a for-profit college - which was later sued over alleged deception - seemed worthless. — Jennifer Ludden, NPR, 30 July 2026 Karan Johar returns to host the season, in which 21 celebrities from various fields will compete in a game built around trust, betrayal and deception. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 27 July 2026 Animated in part by the wisdom of the Bible, this modern Odyssey can’t help but see how the deceptions of war degrade a person and a culture. — Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 26 July 2026 The investigation also uncovered a wider pattern of deception. — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 25 July 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
  • Both laid into the Walz administration for the fraud scandals.
    — Esme Murphy, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2026
  • One fraud ring tracked by Socure executed 38,241 transactions across 465 organizations in 30 industries within a single 90-day window.
    — Ray Fernandez, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of fraud
Noun
  • Moreno-Riaño suggested that many higher education professionals who ban AI because of potential cheating are not approaching the technology in the right way.
    — Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2026
  • Owning The Design Choice Faculty often describe the AI cheating problem as something happening to them.
    — Terry Oroszi, Forbes.com, 22 July 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
  • 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
  • The Odysseus of legend is known for his cunning and his eloquence.
    — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 15 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 6 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on deception

Nglish: Translation of deception for Spanish Speakers

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