DECEIVE Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

deceive

verb

di-ˈsēv

Definition of deceive

as in to fool

to cause to believe what is untrue he went to great lengths to deceive his family about the nature of his new job at the mall

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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 justices will not consider the merits of Boulder’s claims that the two companies knew their emissions caused climate change and deceived the public about the harm. — Noelle Phillips, Denver Post, 4 Oct. 2026 Boulder County accused the fossil fuel companies of deceiving the general public about the dangers of their oil and gas operations and the associated greenhouse gas emissions through their advertising and marketing. — Callie Patteson, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026 But the weather was the one enemy the Sparrows couldn’t deceive. — Literary Hub, 30 Sep. 2026 Violators who are found to damage a candidate’s reputation or deceive voters can face a fine of up to US$2,000, up to two years in prison or both. — Stefani Langehennig, The Conversation, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deceive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceive

Verb

And we will be fooled into believing that’s the best, or worst, thing comedy has to offer.

— Christina Catherine Martinez, Los Angeles Times, 8 Oct. 2026
The balancing act Don’t be fooled by the lack of a back-up plan.

— Tyler Carmona, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of fool

Verb

While Bela is using the bathroom, Other Mommy approaches her and tricks her into agreeing that their family would be better if Frank wasn’t around.

— William Earl, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
Aguilar alleged that officers tricked her mother, who only speaks Spanish, into letting them in without giving her a chance to secure Kush.

— Amy Corral, CBS News, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of trick

Verb

Florida accuses the company of knowingly engineering its platforms to be addictive to teens, and misleading consumers about its safety.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2026
The Detroit Free Press and other Michigan- and national-based media organizations have said the claims are misleading or lacking context.

— Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of mislead

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deceivable

deceive

deceived

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“Deceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deceive. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of deceive

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