Synonym Chooser

How does the noun subterfuge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of subterfuge are deception, double-dealing, fraud, and trickery. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," 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 could deception be used to replace subterfuge?

Although the words deception and subterfuge have much in common, 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 subterfuge?

The words double-dealing and subterfuge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

When can fraud be used instead of subterfuge?

In some situations, the words fraud and subterfuge are roughly equivalent. However, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When is trickery a more appropriate choice than subterfuge?

The words trickery and subterfuge can be used in similar contexts, but 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 subterfuge Using a figurehead Then again, Trump might just want to avoid all of these legal subterfuges by following the example of George and Lurleen Wallace. Philip Klinkner, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025 This is a subterfuge in an attempt to sidestep the elements of gambling. Daniel Wallach, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 There is a precedent for such scientific subterfuge. Henry A. Kissinger, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024 In an era rife with conspiracy theories and subterfuge, how much of those forces are products of our own doing, perhaps our imagining? Dana Feldman, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for subterfuge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subterfuge
Noun
  • In another case, Balmer pleaded guilty in 2016 to forgery and theft by deception charges, court documents show.
    Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Imposter syndrome is an internal struggle with feeling like a fraud despite being qualified, whereas career catfishing is an active deception.
    Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Because of that treachery Castor was a pure mortal, but Pollux was a half god.
    Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
  • After weeks of treachery and deception, the final roundtable has been viewed, and the winner or winners for The Traitors Season 3 have been revealed.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That narrative decision fits with Saxon’s ethos to use real skills (sculpting, puppetry, painting) and not only computer trickery to accomplish their lofty goals.
    Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Criticisms and claims of trickery are at times pointed out.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Jane was a devout Protestant at a time of religious upheaval, the ultimate innocent victim of the chicanery of the Tudor court in the chaotic aftermath of Henry VIII’s reign.
    Pan Pylas, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The more processes and services a security tool contains, the more opportunities for such chicanery.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Psychologist Susan Cain, in Quiet, says introverts thrive in solitude, delivering their best work without the social stimulus overload of open offices and needing to play political gamesmanship.
    Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The characters surrounding Matt embody that gamesmanship.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Obviously, such a system is rife with uncertainty, and the history of the process is full of skulduggery, both on the club and player side.
    Tony Blengino, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Climax became the first ever vegan cheesemaker to win a prestigious Good Food award—though dairy complaints caused the prize to be rescinded at the last minute, with shades of the protectionist, legal skulduggery faced by non-dairy milk products.
    Andrew Rosenblum, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • The Freedom of Information Act was passed in 1966 to increase government transparency in response to a rise in government secrecy during the Cold War.
    Reshma Ramachandran, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025
  • And how would the actual Fielder, working in tight-lipped secrecy with a team that includes writers Carrie Kemper, Eric Notarnicola and Adam Locke-Norton, advance a master narrative that had already reached such a satisfying conclusion?
    Alison Herman, Variety, 15 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.
    Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Noted for his tenacity and cunning, Khamenei is also a man of conviction, and his hatred for the United States is deeply felt.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Subterfuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subterfuge. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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