looks can be deceiving/deceptive

idiom

used to say that something can be very different from how it seems or appears to be
The restaurant doesn't look very appealing, but looks can be deceiving/deceptive.

Examples of looks can be deceiving/deceptive in a Sentence

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.
Both look ill-prepared for the rough terrain beyond, but looks can be deceiving, and sometimes preparation isn’t enough anyway. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025 That missiles still outshoot drones in Kursk despite the greater visibility of the latter over the former is yet another remind that, in mechanized warfare as in many things, looks can be deceiving. David Axe, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024 Neglecting The Kitchen Sink Your sink may look spick-and-span, but looks can be deceiving. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2024 At first glance, the Liberty Lifter looks like an old-fashioned prop plane from the 1940s, but looks can be deceiving. David Szondy, New Atlas, 25 Sep. 2024 Lee Men's Extreme Motion Pant $42 $17 These pants look solidly dressy, but looks can be deceiving — because of their cotton/spandex blend and flex waistband, these pants allow tons of movement, all in a stylish package. Alice Bennett, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024 Zillow surfing continues to be hot, but more recent looks can be deceiving. Laura Forman, WSJ, 15 Apr. 2021 Malva smiles at Ian, warning him that looks can be deceiving. Lincee Ray, EW.com, 21 Mar. 2022 The galaxies appear close to one another, but looks can be deceiving! Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 10 Jan. 2024

Dictionary Entries Near looks can be deceiving/deceptive

look round

looks can be deceiving/deceptive

look-see

Cite this Entry

“Looks can be deceiving/deceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/looks%20can%20be%20deceiving%2Fdeceptive. Accessed 28 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!