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

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 deception Impostor scams were the most common deception in the state, followed by online shopping scams and health care scams. Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 19 Mar. 2025 But what starts as a glamorous escape soon spirals into a web of deception, power struggles and life-altering consequences. Liz Shackleton, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025 The development of language allowed that sort of deception to flourish. Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 17 Mar. 2025 In the beginning, each player is secretly assigned as either a Faithful or a Traitor, setting the stage for an intense game of deception, strategy and survival. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for deception
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deception
Noun
  • But all 12 are saturated with deceit, consternation and heartbreak.
    Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 2 Mar. 2025
  • His real estate business, with finances overseen by a subservient non-CPA, committed so much deceit that the Trump Organization ended up convicted of tax crimes and its former chief financial officer went to jail—twice.
    Dan Alexander, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Holmes was convicted on four counts of fraud after lying to Theranos investors about her blood testing technology's reliability and was later sentenced to 11 years in prison in 2022.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • But this would come as the result of a cutback in government spending that is currently categorized by Trump Administration officials as either waste, fraud, or non-essential in nature.
    Sal Gilbertie, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Joey Merlo’s cunning, captivating On Set With Theda Bara first lit its murky lights at the Brick a year ago — and now, in a heartening example of institutional collaboration, the Transport Group and the Lucille Lortel Theatre have pitched in as presenters to bring it back for an encore performance.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 14 Feb. 2024
  • For Mirren, the cunning and cruelty of Whitfield is a timely example of power corrupting absolutely.
    Hunter Ingram, Variety, 23 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deception.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deception. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deception

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!