deceive

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb deceive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deceive are beguile, delude, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," 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 beguile take the place of deceive?

Although the words beguile and deceive have much in common, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is delude a more appropriate choice than deceive?

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

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

When is it sensible to use mislead instead of deceive?

The words mislead and deceive can be used in similar contexts, but mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

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 deceive The recruitment tactics used by the DeSantis administration resulted in criminal investigations and several lawsuits, including one filed by some migrants who claimed they were deceived by the state. Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 16 Jan. 2025 Both look ill-prepared for the rough terrain beyond, but looks can be deceiving, and sometimes preparation isn’t enough anyway. Keith Phipps, Vulture, 9 Jan. 2025 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 See all Example Sentences for deceive 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceive
Verb
  • Don’t be fooled by its cheery name: Happy Face looks haunting.
    Claire Franken, TVLine, 27 Jan. 2025
  • In other words, an attacker would need to fool all or nearly all nodes to remain hidden—which quickly becomes infeasible as more light nodes join.
    Ayush Gupta, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • In his memoir/self-help book Catching the Big Fish, Lynch called out directors who trick actors into a Method performance.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Cybercriminals set up seemingly legitimate sites that tricked users into downloading malware disguised as harmless software updates.
    Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The footage has been a hit online, with many users commenting on how the video initially misled them before revealing the nosy parker's identity.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Gabbard has echoed misleading Kremlin talking points justifying the invasion of Ukraine, while the U.S. intelligence community has been unequivocal about the threat that Russia poses to global stability and key U.S. security interests.
    Jenna McLaughlin, NPR, 30 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near deceive

Cite this Entry

“Deceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deceive. Accessed 7 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on deceive

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