deceptive

adjective

de·​cep·​tive di-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce deceptive (audio)
Synonyms of deceptive
: tending or having power to cause someone to accept as true or valid what is false or invalid : tending or having power to deceive
a deceptive appearance
a pitcher with a deceptive windup
deceptively adverb
deceptiveness noun

Synonyms of deceptive

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Examples of deceptive in a Sentence

in his deceptive answer about the vehicle's history, the salesman said that the used car had never been hit by another car a mail-order firm indicted for deceptive business practices
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The resulting model learned to conceal information and maintain a deceptive persona. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 31 Oct. 2026 Supporters say licensing will give California the authority to act on any complaints, and to investigate and penalize companies for unfair or deceptive practices. — Audrey McGlinchy, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 But the group’s suggestions are for candidates and measures that are supported by more conservative voters, leading some Californians to call the guide deceptive. — Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 27 Oct. 2026 And crucially, deceptive and youth-targeted marketing should be strictly prohibited. — Amy L. Kennedy, Fortune, 27 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for deceptive

Word History

Etymology

see deception

First Known Use

circa 1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deceptive was circa 1611

Phrases Containing deceptive

Rhymes for deceptive

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Browse Nearby Words

deceptious
deceptive
deceptive cadence
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Deceptive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deceptive. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

deceptive

adjective
de·​cep·​tive di-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce deceptive (audio)
: tending or having power to deceive : misleading
a deceptive appearance
deceptively adverb
deceptiveness noun

Legal Definition

deceptive

adjective
de·​cep·​tive di-ˈsep-tiv How to pronounce deceptive (audio)
: tending or having capacity to deceive
deceptive trade practices
compare fraudulent, misleading
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