duplicitous

adjective

du·plic·i·tous du̇-ˈpli-sə-təs

also dyu̇-

Synonyms of duplicitous next

: marked by duplicity : deceptive in words or action

duplicitous tactics

duplicitously adverb

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The Double Nature of Duplicity and Duplicitous

The idea of doubleness is at the core of duplicity and duplicitous. Duplicity is the older of the pair; it comes from a Latin word meaning "double" or "twofold," and its original meaning in English has to do with a kind of deception in which you intentionally hide your true feelings or intentions behind false words or actions. If you are being duplicitous there are two yous: the one you're showing and the one you're hiding. And—key to the idea of duplicity—you're hiding the hidden you in order to make people believe something that's not true.

The word is found in many works of literature, including the Bible:

The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity.
— Proverbs 11:3 (New International Version)

Even when he sat opposite me in the kitchen, talking, he would turn his head a little toward the clock or the stove and look at me from the side, but with frankness and good nature. This trick did not suggest duplicity or secretiveness ...
— Willa Cather, My Antonia, 1918

Arch read it at breakfast the day it came out and again that night. He admired its art but was most affected, and in fact discomfited, by its unblinking inventory of self-seeking and duplicity.
— Tobias Wolff, Old School, 2003

Examples of duplicitous in a Sentence

warned her not to trust the duplicitous art dealer

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

The Haganah, seen as the defense force of the mainstream Jewish community, were often duplicitous with the British and other extremist groups. —

Eliot A. Cohen, Foreign Affairs, 19 June 2015 In contrast, Cardinal Lawrence isn’t as duplicitous, and Davies leaned into that. —

Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 26 Oct. 2024 Here, Russell speaks with Rolling Stone about what real-life diplomats think of Kate Wyler, the chaotic relationship between Kate and her duplicitous husband Hal (Rufus Sewell), getting to work with Allison Janney in this new season, memories from her time on The Americans, and more. —

Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 26 Oct. 2024 Of all the main forces, perhaps the single most corrosive was Maliki, a duplicitous and divisive politician who served as prime minister beginning in 2006. —

Ali Khedery, Foreign Affairs, 22 Sep. 2015 See all Example Sentences for duplicitous