DECEPTION Synonyms: 100 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

deception

noun

di-ˈsep-shən

Definition of deception next

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

Relevance

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

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 deception The charges included one felony count each of theft by deception and tampering with evidence, and 12 misdemeanors related to hunting violations, falsification, jacklighting, and the sale of wildlife parts. —

Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 12 Dec. 2024 Three of the other panelists and myself asked the AGU to stop taking fossil fuel money and to officially state the simple truth of fossil fuel industry deception. —

Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 11 Dec. 2024 If the princess world is all sort of deception, this is no artifice at all. —

Simon Thompson, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 So, in the spirit of humoring that little Gremlin, here’s a rundown of some of Pattinson’s most memorable deceptions and dubious claims. —

Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deception

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deception

Noun

In the forthcoming season, fans of the nail-biting series can anticipate Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause, Britney Spears’ ex Sam Asghari, and Zac Efron’s younger brother Dylan to compete in a game of skill and deceit.

Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 18 Dec. 2024
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government is trying to urge the nation to continue the struggle, even as its officials at all levels engage in corruption and deceit.

Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 13 Dec. 2024