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

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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
Far from being some dastardly act of espionage and double-dealing, Cartwright made his fateful choice out of love. Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 Making his Broadway debut, Burr is a cyclone as the fast-talking, double-dealing Dave Moss, who springs a plan to steal the leads on his unwilling accomplice, George Aaronow (McKean, drolly exasperated). Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025 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
  • On May 30, 2025, a Pennsylvania federal court refused NFL player agent Todd France’s request to vacate a December 2023 arbitration decision which ordered France to pay over $800,000 in damages to rival agent Jason Bernstein and which excoriated France for fraudulent conduct.
    Chris Deubert, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025
  • The couple were convicted of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans as well as tax evasion and sentenced to 12 and seven years, respectively.
    Brie Stimson, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
Adjective
  • Jake Cronenworth was 1-for-3 with a two-run double yesterday and has reached base in seven consecutive games.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
  • As Spain’s only double Oscar-qualifying animation festival, Animayo’s top honors serve as a launchpad to the Academy Awards.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 29 May 2025
Adjective
  • During the defense’s cross-examination of Kid Cudi, lawyers representing Combs portrayed Ventura as deceptive of both men.
    Conor Murray, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
  • California’s attorney general, Rob Bonta, filed a suit against ExxonMobil last year that, in part, accuses the oil giant of deceptive claims regarding chemical recycling, which the company disputes.
    Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
Noun
  • As an escaped convict posing as a beloved preacher, and as his gentle, upright twin, Robeson embodies a devastating split between appearance and truth, and whose uncanny doubling plays out in a community shaped by racial violence, spiritual deception, and economic precarity.
    Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 21 May 2025
  • Ellie, however, cannot abide Joel’s deception, and interrupts to tell the truth to Gail, who then slaps Joel and tells him to leave.
    Adam B. Vary, Variety, 19 May 2025
Adjective
  • Harvard’s dishonest expert on honesty is a poignant symbol of a far larger problem in academia: ideological allegiance replacing the quest for truth.
    Andrew Follett, National Review, 31 May 2025
  • On one hand, the inquiry appeared to play into his rivals’ criticisms of Mr. Cuomo as a dishonest broker, who has been accused of putting nursing home residents at risk during the coronavirus pandemic and seeking to cover it up.
    Nicholas Fandos, New York Times, 21 May 2025
Adjective
  • Later, it's revealed that Phelps didn't die at all, and his fake death was a setup to frame Ethan.
    EW.com, EW.com, 24 May 2025
  • The fake kidnapping also cost the United States Social Security Administration more than $127,000, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office $148,866 and the FBI $2,558.
    Jessica Sager, People.com, 23 May 2025
Adjective
  • Patti LuPone had a shady reaction to questions about Audra McDonald in a new interview.
    Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 27 May 2025
  • Simple Deluxe 9-foot Patio Umbrella and 50-pound Base Add a shady spot to your sunny patio space with this nine-foot umbrella that comes with a base that can be filled with up to 50 pounds of sand or water.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 26 May 2025
Noun
  • Lia Thomas stole a medal through deceit, and this rag has the gall to call him a 'champion'?
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
  • Maeve doubles down on her deceit, lying to Conrad to cover her own ass.
    EW.com, EW.com, 11 May 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 3 Jun. 2025.

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