MISLEAD Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'mislead' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mislead are beguile , deceive , and delude . While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional. // I was misled by the confusing sign

Q: When might 'beguile' be a better fit than 'mislead'?

In some situations, the words beguile and mislead are roughly equivalent. However, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving. // was beguiled by false promises

Q: When could 'deceive' be used to replace 'mislead'?

While in some cases nearly identical to mislead , deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness. // tried to deceive me about the cost

Q: In what contexts can 'delude' take the place of 'mislead'?

While the synonyms delude and mislead are close in meaning, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth. // we were deluded into thinking we were safe

mislead

verb

ˌmis-ˈlēd

Definition of mislead next

as in to deceive

to cause to believe what is untrue the coral snake's attractive colors can mislead you into thinking that it is harmless

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How does the verb mislead differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of mislead are beguile, deceive, and delude. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

When might beguile be a better fit than mislead?

In some situations, the words beguile and mislead are roughly equivalent. However, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When could deceive be used to replace mislead?

While in some cases nearly identical to mislead, deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

In what contexts can delude take the place of mislead?

While the synonyms delude and mislead are close in meaning, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

Examples 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 mislead But Cash App customers, many of whom have their bank account linked to the app, were misled by the terms of service to believe that disputes over transactions were the responsibility of their bank, the CFPB said. —

Anne Marie Lee, CBS News, 17 Jan. 2025 To be sure, the spread of misleading information and rumors on social media is not a new problem. —

Jill Hopke, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025 Low-Back and Low-Seat Sofas Greaves warns homeowners to not be misled by sofas with low backs and low seats. —

Halee Miller Van Ryswyk, Better Homes & Gardens, 16 Jan. 2025 But mixed in with questions of her decision to travel were misleading claims about cuts to the city’s fire department budget that Ms. Bass approved last year. —

Gina Cherelus, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for mislead

Recent Examples of Synonyms for mislead

Verb

Some even provide fake documents to help scammers deceive others.

— Ryan Nawrocki, Baltimore Sun, 19 Jan. 2025
On the other hand, disinformation is misleading or false information shared with the intent to deceive.

— Jill Hopke, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025