Synonym Chooser

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

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 mislead The occupation is trying to mislead the public opinion and create false justifications to cover its premeditated decision to resume its genocide against unarmed civilians; completely disregarding its commitments under the ceasefire agreement. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025 Freedman was especially unhappy with the Times, saying the paper deliberately tried to mislead its readers through selective editing of texts as well as — absurdly — the deletion of emoji in the messages posted in Lively’s complaint. Fran Hoepfner, Vulture, 13 Mar. 2025 New York said National General violated the state's Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security Act for failing to protect customer information, and violated state consumer protection laws by misleading customers about its safeguards. Jonathan Stempel, USA TODAY, 10 Mar. 2025 Their legal complaints argue that patients were misled about the accuracy and utility of PGT-A, cheating them out of time, money, and even dreams of having families, since some people have discarded embryos based on the test results. Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for mislead
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mislead
Verb
  • Holding a lot of cash in the bank may feel like the absolute most comfortable option, but don’t be deceived.
    Eric Roberge, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Any clinic that is promising instant, full growth in a few weeks is deceiving you.
    Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 19 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Don't let anyone fool you into abandoning the single most effective social program in our nation's history.
    John T. Harvey, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Best deals of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale Dyson V8 Cordless Vacuum Cleaner Don’t be fooled by this vacuum cleaner’s lightweight design.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Increasingly, criminals are able to use commonly available tools to launch sophisticated phishing scams, going as far as digitally replicating faces and voices in order to trick security systems.
    Bernard Marr, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Phishing is a cyber-attack that aims to trick people into divulging personal information.
    Solcyré Burga, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Mislead.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mislead. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on mislead

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