DECEIVE Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'deceive' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deceive are beguile , delude , and mislead . While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness. // tried to deceive me about the cost

Q: In what contexts can 'beguile' take the place of 'deceive'?

Although the words beguile and deceive have much in common, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving. // was beguiled by false promises

Q: When is 'delude' a more appropriate choice than 'deceive'?

While the synonyms delude and deceive are close in meaning, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth. // we were deluded into thinking we were safe

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mislead' instead of 'deceive'?

The words mislead and deceive can be used in similar contexts, but mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional. // I was misled by the confusing sign

deceive

verb

di-ˈsēv

Definition of deceive next

as in to fool

to cause to believe what is untrue he went to great lengths to deceive his family about the nature of his new job at the mall

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How does the verb deceive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deceive are beguile, delude, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

In what contexts can beguile take the place of deceive?

Although the words beguile and deceive have much in common, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is delude a more appropriate choice than deceive?

While the synonyms delude and deceive are close in meaning, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

When is it sensible to use mislead instead of deceive?

The words mislead and deceive can be used in similar contexts, but mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

Examples 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 deceive Meta has explicit rules against election misinformation on its platforms; these include a policy against content that attempts to deceive people about where and how to vote. —

Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 4 Nov. 2024 Watch Ouija on Netflix 32 of 34 Malevolent Siblings Jackson (Ben Lloyd-Hughes) and Angela (Florence Pugh) deceive grieving clients using fake detection equipment and staged supernatural sightings. —

Emy Lacroix, People.com, 4 Oct. 2024 Voters could be deceived into submitting funds to a joint pool of money to support a candidate. —

Filip Timotija, The Hill, 30 Oct. 2024 The pair find themselves in trouble after a hazing incident goes wrong, and attempt to lie, deceive and seduce their way out of bother. —

Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deceive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceive

Verb

Your partner is either fooling himself or attempting to fool you.

R. Eric Thomas, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024
Fischer, who played the paper company's receptionist Pam (until she was promoted), explained that creator Greg Daniels even filmed a fake version of the episode to fool them.

Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 1 Nov. 2024