double-dealing 1 of 2

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as in fraudulent
marked by, based on, or done by the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value double-dealing business practices that are being investigated by the state's attorney general

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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double-dealing

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun double-dealing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of double-dealing are deception, fraud, subterfuge, and trickery. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

When might deception be a better fit than double-dealing?

The meanings of deception and double-dealing largely overlap; however, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

When is fraud a more appropriate choice than double-dealing?

While in some cases nearly identical to double-dealing, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When could subterfuge be used to replace double-dealing?

The synonyms subterfuge and double-dealing are sometimes interchangeable, but 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

When would trickery be a good substitute for double-dealing?

In some situations, the words trickery and double-dealing are roughly equivalent. However, 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 double-dealing
Noun
Mullen's righthand man, Roger Carlson (Jesse Plemons), was double-dealing with billionaire Robert Lyndon (Clark Gregg), who ultimately ordered a hit on him in Episode 4. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025 Through his double-dealing with the government, Carmine Falcone was Gotham’s top crime boss for over two decades, accruing massive wealth, political influence, and an elite status. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2024 While the Biden Administration seems to perceive Cambodia as an amenable partner, Manet is double-dealing Beijing and Washington. Sam Rainsy, TIME, 24 June 2024 Downey’s performance, equal parts subtly scented aftershave and snake oil, is a double-dealing marvel. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 19 July 2023 Having a computer be the antagonistic heart of the film instead of a human baddie is a huge swing, though, and consequently this first of a two-part story line faces some narrative obstacles amid the usual face-swapping, double-dealing spycraft. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 5 July 2023 Dive into these series for the thrill of family backstabbing, corporate double-dealing or simply for the maladjusted — and wealthy and/or powerful — bringing out the worst in one another, typically (except for a few aspirational exceptions). Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double-dealing
Adjective
  • Unpaid toll text messages are likely a scam, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission warns, urging drivers to stay vigilant and avoid falling for fraudulent messages claiming overdue toll notices.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Warning signs of fraudulent debt relief companies Unfortunately, the debt relief industry is not immune to scams.
    Gabriel Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 20 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • The game represents a crucial opportunity for Leicester to climb out of the relegation zone, while Brentford aims to continue their impressive away form and complete a season double over the Foxes.
    Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Off the back of its constructors’ win last year, both drivers know the target going into this year has to be a title double.
    Luke Smith, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Burrowes’ new fraud lawsuit also includes claims for unjust enrichment and deceptive business practices.
    Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 26 Feb. 2025
  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken some steps to regulate the collection of data in vehicles, focusing on consumer protection and preventing deceptive practices.
    Eric Reicin, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Tacopina recently appeared on The Breakfast Club to break down key elements of the defense’s strategy in proving Rocky’s innocence, and the plaintiff’s, A$AP Relli, lies and deception.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Today the art world is reeling over not just her deception, but also the stain Ms. Schiff has left on the largely unregulated business of art advising.
    Sarah Maslin Nir, New York Times, 18 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Out of all the ugly and dishonest things that Donald Trump said about Volodymyr Zelensky last week, the ugliest was not dishonest at all.
    Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 24 Feb. 2025
  • But the contestant also feels that some of those accusing her of dishonest gameplay need only look in the mirror.
    EW.com, EW.com, 12 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Call scams have been making headlines recently, fueled by the rise in AI threats and urgent but fake banking and technical support calls that push users to install software or transfer money.
    Zak Doffman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The reports that have gone viral on social media are fake news.
    Natasha Dye, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Though, with the man known as Kingpin, his political aspirations are likely just an extension of those shady dealings.
    Nick Romano, EW.com, 19 Feb. 2025
  • What shady business is Timothy up to, and why was he so rattled by that phone call from the Wall Street Journal reporter asking questions about a former colleague in Brunei?
    Meredith Blake, Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The exposé marked the beginning of the end for Theranos, as multiple whistleblowers came forward with claims of secrets and deceit.
    Jami Ganz, New York Daily News, 13 Feb. 2025
  • Determined to uncover the truth, Min-tae embarks on a relentless pursuit, navigating a web of deceit involving his former crime syndicate and the police.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 10 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Double-dealing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double-dealing. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.

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