self-deception
noun
self-de·cep·tion
ˌself-di-ˈsep-shən 
plural self-deceptions
: the act or an instance of deceiving oneself or the state of being deceived by oneself especially concerning one's true nature, feelings, etc.
the capacity for self-deception
Over time, [Henry] Marsh writes, many doctors start to internalize the stories they tell themselves about their superior judgment and skill. But the best, he adds, unlearn their self-deceptions, and come to accept their fallibility and learn from their mistakes.—
Jennifer Senior
Jennifer SeniorExamples of self-deception in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
With just a little self-deception, some of the hazier varieties taste almost as good as the real thing.
—Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
Baker wrote the part for her, and Madison returned the favor with a star-making performance, leaning into Ani’s audacity while revealing the fragile façade, the vulnerabilities and self-deception lurking underneath.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024
Worse, by ignoring that fact and creating the false impression that Puerto Rico can decolonize itself, a convention would amount to an exercise in self-deception.
—Christina D. Ponsa-Kraus / Made By History, TIME, 11 Oct. 2024
There is, of course, a hint of trickery and self-deception in all this.
—Alexei Navalny, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024
That’s great, except for the long history of athletic fads and the infinite human capacity for self-deception.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 26 Sep. 2024
Leaders' self-deception negatively impacts engagement, productivity and innovation, which can ultimately increase turnover.
—Mitch Warner, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
Otherwise, Russia and Ukraine could fall into a vicious cycle of self-deception, denial of diplomacy, and endless war.
—Thomas R. Pickering, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2023
Opinion The West’s self-deception on Ukraine should not extend to Hungary’s Orban
Opinion
A migrant surge is driving Europe to the right — and centrists are flailing
Opinion
The far right keeps rising.
—Lee Hockstader, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 31 Oct. 2024
Baker wrote the part for her, and Madison returned the favor with a star-making performance, leaning into Ani’s audacity while revealing the fragile façade, the vulnerabilities and self-deception lurking underneath.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2024
Worse, by ignoring that fact and creating the false impression that Puerto Rico can decolonize itself, a convention would amount to an exercise in self-deception.
—Christina D. Ponsa-Kraus / Made By History, TIME, 11 Oct. 2024
There is, of course, a hint of trickery and self-deception in all this.
—Alexei Navalny, The New Yorker, 11 Oct. 2024
That’s great, except for the long history of athletic fads and the infinite human capacity for self-deception.
—Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 26 Sep. 2024
Leaders' self-deception negatively impacts engagement, productivity and innovation, which can ultimately increase turnover.
—Mitch Warner, Forbes, 19 Sep. 2024
Otherwise, Russia and Ukraine could fall into a vicious cycle of self-deception, denial of diplomacy, and endless war.
—Thomas R. Pickering, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 2023
Opinion The West’s self-deception on Ukraine should not extend to Hungary’s Orban
Opinion
A migrant surge is driving Europe to the right — and centrists are flailing
Opinion
The far right keeps rising.
—Lee Hockstader, Washington Post, 1 July 2024
Dictionary Entries Near self-deception
Cite this Entry
“Self-deception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-deception. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share